Using Discernment Activities to Promote Skill Retention from Programming and Software Tutorials

Abstract

Short self-guided tutorials for individuals who wish to create computational artifacts often emphasize activity completion, providing an immediate sense of accomplishment but failing to promote sustainable gains in learning. However, to be successful in subsequent endeavors, it is essential that these learners develop robust skills. By incorporating principles from Bransford & Schwarz's Preparation for Future Learning framework, interactive tutorials should be able to promote the acquisition of durable and adaptive abilities.