XLogoOnline: A single-page, browser-based programming environment for schools aiming at reducing cognitive load on pupils

Abstract

For more than twelve years, our chair has been introducing primary school children to algorithmic thinking by teaching them how to program in Logo. The key element of the proposed didactic approach consists in reducing the extraneous cognitive load on the pupils. We developed and stepwise refined the required teaching materials that allow for introducing only a few instructions in a programming language, which is gradually extended simply relying on modular design. XLogoOnline is our new browser-based, single-page programming environment for schools which is perfectly attuned to our curriculum. We argue that the platform reduces the extraneous cognitive load on the pupils thanks to a heavily-simplified workflow, appropriate for young children, and present evaluations that confirm high usability and acceptance across ages.