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2017-Wilkie-Tica an environment for exploring tangible-PUBLISHED.pdf (2.57 MB)

Tica: an environment for exploring tangible vs. screen-based programming

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conference contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 14:26 authored by John Wilkie, Judith Good
This paper describes Tica, an environment designed to explore the differences between tangible and screen based interfaces when teaching programming to children aged 5–7 years. Tica comprises several components: a tangible programming language and a screen based equivalent, an Android app to interpret the programming languages and record data, and a physical robot that can be programmed using either the tangible or screen-based language. Tica was designed using a learner-centred approach, with a specific focus on the needs and abilities of the target user group. Once implemented, an initial pilot study was carried out with 14 adults. Although participants using the screen-based interface completed problems more quickly than those using the tangible interface, participants using the tangible interface reported a higher level of enjoyment. Next steps include a more extensive study with the target population as well as some refinements to the Tica environment.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

28th Annual Workshop of the Psychology of Programming Interest Group - PPIG 2017 : Proceedings

Publisher

Psychology of Programming Interest Group

Page range

65-75

Event name

28th Annual Workshop of the Psychology of Programming Interest Group - PPIG 2017

Event location

Delft, The Netherlands

Event type

conference

Event date

July 1 - 3, 2017

Department affiliated with

  • Informatics Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Creative Technology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Editors

Luke Church, Felienne Hermans

Legacy Posted Date

2018-08-08

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-08-13

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-08-07

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