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ABSTRACT

We propose Anchor Garden (AG), an interactive workbench software for learning fundamentals of data structures with the concepts of type, variable, object, and their relations in a strongly typed object-oriented programming language (OOPL) such as Java or C#. Learners can approach the basic data-handling concepts of OOPLs by direct manipulation of graphical models in AG. In addition, the learner can correlate his/her manipulation and notation of source code because AG automatically generates appropriate source-code corresponding to this manipulation. Experimental results showed a tendency of a learning effect with AG and high correlations between concept understanding and programming ability. Thus, AG has the potential to enhance the programming ability of novice programmers.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
      D.1.7 Visual Programming

General Terms:
Experimentation, Human Factors, Measurement

Keywords:
CS1, data type, object-orientation, reference