Understanding College Level Student Learning of Basic Programming at an Open Access Institution

Abstract

In this study, we present our findings with regard to teaching basic programming concepts at an Open Access Institution. The goal was to gather insight into how to best introduce programming to our students. We found that our students should start with block coding, as a means to slowly and easily introduce coding concepts. Then they are ready for text-based programming skills. This flow allows them to understand and be able to apply basic computing concepts and enjoy the process of learning. Also, introducing block coding should be done via a fun game or activity to entice them to want to learn programming.