Panel

Abstract

Blocks-based programming is becoming the way that learners are being introduced to programming and computer science. Led by the popularity of tools like Scratch, Alice, and Code.org's Hour of Code activities, many new programming environments and initiatives are employing the blocks-based modality. This trend can be seen in the growing number of classroom computer science curricula incorporating blocksbased environments into their materials. Despite this rise in use, many open questions remain surrounding blocks-based programming. In this panel, we discuss the current state of blocks-based programming environments, review what we know about learning with blocks-based tools, and look to the future, discussing what form next-generation blocks-based, or blocks-inspired, programming environments might take. Research looking at blocks-based programming is revealing that modality matters: that the representations used to present programming concepts affect learners' conceptual understanding [6], programming practices [3], and perceptions of programming and computer science [5]. This panel brings together leading designers and researchers looking to advance graphical, blocks-based programming through new, innovate designs. The panel will open with a review of current research literature on learning with blocks-based programming and then continue with presentations of three recently designed blocks-based programming environments (Greenfoot 3, GP, Pencil Code), each of which look to push the boundaries of the approach in diffierent directions. These short presentations will frame the discussion of pertinent questions facing designers and educators who use blocksbased programming environments.