Using Alice Software with the Expository Method: A Pilot Study

What is it about?

This article presents a learning environment design that compares the effectiveness of using Alice software with conventional programming languages in the scope of initial programming learning. The model proposes a quasi-experimental design in three stages: i) a pre-test to assess the development of logical reasoning in experimental (n=11) and control (n=11) groups; ii) learning programming with the Alice software and pseudocode or exclusively with pseudocode, in the experimental and control group respectively, both using a expository teaching methodology; iii) applying a validated programming test to assess student knowledge, mediated by logical reasoning in both groups. The pilot study indicated no significant differences in the programming test between experimental and control groups (p > 0.05). These results indicate that the effectiveness of the Alice software in programming knowledge might not work with the expository method.

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