Reflections of design-based research approach on learning experience of visual programming course

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects of Visual Programming course conducting in accordance with design-based research on students' learning experiences. The study was conducted in the fall semester in 2017-2018 at Software Engineering Department in Technology Faculty of a university in the north of Turkey. The sample of the study consists of 12 students taking the course. In this study based on a two-stage research method, the course was taught in accordance with design-based research for 14 weeks. Then the implications of teaching the course in that way for students’ visual programming learning experiences are analyzed with the specific case study. At the end of the study, the participants of the study were interviewed through a semi-structured interview form. The qualitative data obtained from the participants are subjected to content analysis. It is seen that students’ views can be grouped under five main themes. The results of the study show that the course process which is maintained in accordance with the design-based research method has important contributions for students learning experiences. It is concluded that the views of the students are generally positive but it can be said that there are also negative views about the process even if in limited numbers.