Effect of Visual Programming Instruction on Students' Flow Experience, Programming Self-Efficacy, and Sustained Willingness to Learn

IF 5.1 2区教育学 Q1 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Pub Date : 2025-01-09 DOI:10.1111/jcal.13110

Chiao Ling Huang, Lianzi Fu, Shih-Chieh Hung, Shu Ching Yang

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Abstract

Background

Many studies have highlighted the positive effects of visual programming instruction (VPI) on students' learning experiences, programming self-efficacy and flow experience. However, there is a notable gap in the research on how these factors specifically impact programming achievement and learning intentions. Our study addresses this gap by focusing on flowchart-based programming—a relatively underexplored area in educational research. To ensure relevance to the educational context, AbilixChart and Ability Storm SK902 were specifically selected for their alignment with the curriculum of the target school, where these tools are widely utilised in both teaching and extracurricular activities. This alignment allowed for a seamless integration of these tools into regular classroom practices after the study's conclusion, ensuring continued application and maximising the study's practical impact. Furthermore, integrating educational robots enhanced student engagement and provided a practical means to evaluate the accuracy of their programming skills. By doing so, our study not only contributes to filling a gap in the literature but also has the potential to influence educational practices by demonstrating the value of incorporating flowchart-based programming and robotics into the curriculum.

Objectives

The present study aims to conduct an instructional experiment utilising VPI with flowchart-based programming tools. The main objective is to investigate how these tools influence 219 high school students' flow experience, programming self-efficacy, and sustained learning willingness.

Methods

This study employed a pre- and post-test design with a single group and conducted an 11-week instructional experiment. The students used the Abilix Chart software and the Ability Storm SK902 kit to build an intelligent car and learn about visual programming. They were tasked with independently designing programs to solve practical problems in different scenarios. Research tools included Scales of Flow Experience, Computer Programming Self-Efficacy, Sustained Learning Willingness and Program Achievement.

Results

The findings revealed that VPI effectively improved students' programming achievement, flow experience and programming self-efficacy. Students with programming learning experience surpassed their inexperienced peers in willingness to engage in sustained learning. Conversely, 4.57% of the group with lower pre-test scores and no learning experience showed more positive emotional experience than those with learning experience.

Conclusions

The results indicated that VPI positively affected programming achievement, self-efficacy and flow experience. Regardless of prior programming experience, all students benefited from VPI. Additionally, self-efficacy and flow experience were key factors influencing sustained learning motivation and achievement.

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来源期刊

Journal of Computer Assisted Learning EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH-

CiteScore

9.70

自引率

6.00%

发文量

116

期刊介绍： The Journal of Computer Assisted Learning is an international peer-reviewed journal which covers the whole range of uses of information and communication technology to support learning and knowledge exchange. It aims to provide a medium for communication among researchers as well as a channel linking researchers, practitioners, and policy makers. JCAL is also a rich source of material for master and PhD students in areas such as educational psychology, the learning sciences, instructional technology, instructional design, collaborative learning, intelligent learning systems, learning analytics, open, distance and networked learning, and educational evaluation and assessment. This is the case for formal (e.g., schools), non-formal (e.g., workplace learning) and informal learning (e.g., museums and libraries) situations and environments. Volumes often include one Special Issue which these provides readers with a broad and in-depth perspective on a specific topic. First published in 1985, JCAL continues to have the aim of making the outcomes of contemporary research and experience accessible. During this period there have been major technological advances offering new opportunities and approaches in the use of a wide range of technologies to support learning and knowledge transfer more generally. There is currently much emphasis on the use of network functionality and the challenges its appropriate uses pose to teachers/tutors working with students locally and at a distance. JCAL welcomes: -Empirical reports, single studies or programmatic series of studies on the use of computers and information technologies in learning and assessment -Critical and original meta-reviews of literature on the use of computers for learning -Empirical studies on the design and development of innovative technology-based systems for learning -Conceptual articles on issues relating to the Aims and Scope