Learnable Programming: Blocks and Beyond

TL;DR

This paper discusses how blocks-based programming enhances learnability for beginners by reducing cognitive load and errors, and explores new frameworks that expand its accessibility across diverse programming domains.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of how blocks environments improve learning and introduces new frameworks that facilitate access to various APIs for novices and experts.

Findings

Blocks environments favor recognition over recall.

They reduce cognitive load for learners.

New frameworks enable access to diverse APIs.

Abstract

Blocks-based programming has become the lingua franca for introductory coding. Studies have found that experience with blocks-based programming can help beginners learn more traditional text-based languages. We explore how blocks environments improve learnability for novices by 1) favoring recognition over recall, 2) reducing cognitive load, and 3) preventing errors. Increased usability of blocks programming has led to widespread adoption within introductory programming contexts across a range of ages. Ongoing work explores further reducing barriers to programming, supporting novice programmers in expanding their programming skills, and transitioning to textual programming. New blocks frameworks are making it easier to access a variety of APIs through blocks environments, opening the doors to a greater diversity of programming domains and supporting greater experimentation for novices and professionals alike.