Using visual tiling patterns to support the teaching of programming concepts

Author First name, Last name, Institution

Hai Ning Liang, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Jim Morey, Zayed University
Kamran Sedig, Western University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source of Publication

Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering, TALE 2012

Publication Date

12-28-2012

Abstract

In this paper, we present an approach for introducing programming concepts using visual tiling patterns (tilings for short). Tilings exhibit regularities and their construction can be achieved through the use of simple textual commands. We show that fundamental programming concepts, such as sequencing of commands (i.e., the right commands in the right order), conditional structures (i.e., yes/no decisions), grouping and repetition of sets of commands (i.e., subroutines that are executed more than once), can be communicated effectively using tilings and in the process support students' learning and mastering of these concepts. The use of concrete, visual tilings represents a potentially effective approach to introduce programming to students. © 2012 IEEE.

DOI Link

10.1109/tale.2012.6360400

ISBN

9781467324182

Publisher

IEEE

First Page

W1B5

Last Page

W1B10

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Keywords

computer science education, CS0/CS1 teaching, programming, spatial visualization, visual tiling patterns

Scopus ID

84871530453

Recommended Citation

Liang, Hai Ning; Morey, Jim; and Sedig, Kamran, "Using visual tiling patterns to support the teaching of programming concepts" (2012). All Works. 3885.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/3885

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no