Programming Learning Workshops with Scratch and Python in a Computer Engineering Course

• Camille Jesus UEFS
• Bianca Santana UEFS
• Roberto Bittencourt UEFS

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/wei.2019.6614

Abstract

It is known that novice students have difficulties to learn programming. In the first programming course in higher education, such difficulties are more evident, and lead to high levels of dropout and failure. To deal with this issue in our institution, we held introductory programming workshops with Computer Engineering freshmen. We used a playful approach based on challenges and game building in Scratch and Python. Results point to the advantages of Python as the first language, students high participation in the learning process, as well as their integration with classmates and senior students.

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