Scaffolded block-based instructional tool for linear data structures: A constructivist design to ease data structures' understanding

Abstract

Data structures courses commonly introduce topics involving high levels of abstraction and complexity, requiring significant effort from instructors and students to achieve positive teaching-learning outcomes. Despite the multiple studies that have occurred within the Computer Science Education (CS ED) community to understand the experiences that novice programmers may have when learning how to program, there is still a lack of exploration and research on understanding these experiences in scenarios different from firstyear Computer Science (CS) courses. Looking further from CS introductory courses, this paper presents the results of a pilot study that evaluated the interaction of a group of CS Colombian students with DStBlocks, which is a scaffolded block-based instructional technology created to ease linear data structures understanding. The findings and results of this pilot study are favorable, corresponding to tests centered on user experience and learning impact.