Programming microworld

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Draft

Definition

  • A programming microworld is a microworld for learning how to program. Although one may argue that any programming environment can be used for this we restrict this definition to environments specficially made for education. Usually (but not always) for children.

The relation to learning theory and educational reform

See for the moment: Constructionism, discovery learning, microworld

Environments

(Mostly/rather) for children
Design and fabrication
  • Turtlestitch A Blockly language to create embroidery
  • BlocksCAD, A Blocky extension to create 3D objects and export to OpenSCAD
(Mostly/rather) for older people
  • Alice - 3D programming language and environment(CMU). A more recent project. Java-like language.
  • MOO and other text-based virtual environments MUDs (while learning how to program is not their purpose, it has been observed that they can fulfill this function). Popular in the early nineties.
  • Greenfoot (for learning Java)
  • Various Robot scripting languages (needs addition), e.g.:
  • Alice - an 3D programming environment to teach computer programming.
  • Games scripting languages are increasingly popular. See Computer games.
Simple "extensions" of "real environments"

Links

Related issues
  • Annotated bibliography on the psychology of programming by Tim Mattson. “This bibliography holds references that pertain to the psychology of programming. Since the topic is closely related, a number of these references also refer to the psychological issues associated with program comprehension. To this end, I used (and freely borrowed from) the program comprehension bibliography.”, retrieved feb 2011.

References

(more needed)