Visual Programming Environment Research Articles

Proto.IoT: supporting IoT prototype ideation for non-experts in the classroom

ABSTRACT This paper introduces Proto.IoT, an IoT prototyping toolkit designed to complement teaching in Higher Education (HE) by enabling non-expert users to learn IoT concepts through making within time-constrained lecture settings. The significance of Proto.IoT lies in its abstraction of hardware and software implementations, facilitating accessibility for non-experts through a visual rule-based programming environment and plug-and-play approaches. A pilot study, involving 25 IoT developers from the UK and Malaysia, evaluated the IoT back-end system architecture, revealing that Proto.IoT was perceived as user-friendly and effective in reducing development time. The main evaluation focused on the toolkit's front-end rule-based graphical user interface (GUI), engaging 41 undergraduate students. Results indicated that the toolkit supported prototype ideation and was intuitive to use. These findings illustrate the potential of IoT prototyping toolkits to complement traditional lectures, fostering rapid prototyping and ideation, thus facilitating maker education within formal classroom settings.

Hybrid origami-linkage vaulted deployable structures: parametric development and form-finding

AbstractThe demand for adaptable structures is steadily increasing in contemporary architectural practice. Deployable structures, characterized by their flexibility and versatility, offer innovative solutions across demanding engineering and architectural contexts. Among the various types of deployable structures, two main categories emerge: lattice deployable structures and continuous surface deployable structures. This paper explores the creation of hybrid deployable vaulted structures by incorporating kinetic elements from both deployable structure categories. A combination of rigid thick origami surfaces and retractable structural frames composed of four-bar and scissor-hinged linkages is examined, while both direct and inverse design methodologies are explored. To facilitate the parameterization and kinematic study of the proposed structures, an algorithm is developed within the Rhino Grasshopper visual programming environment, which is then utilized for form-finding and design optimization of the generated deployable vaults. The present study aims to contribute to the evolution of lightweight, kinetic elements for versatile architectural applications. The proposed hybrid deployable structures are designed to adjust to evolving spatial and functional requirements while maintaining structural integrity.

Bond-Graph model based stepper motor output characteristics simulation implemented in LabVIEW environment

In the industry, simulations are of great importance. They enable measurements to be made in different conditions about a virtual device, which are highly comparable to measurements made in a real life scenarios. Because of their wide range of usage in lower power drive systems, where precision and simplicity is a must, the subject of study is a permanent magnet stepper motor. For precise positioning purposes, it is essential to know the positioning behaviour of these devices. The model construction process involved an intermediate step, which consisted of creating the Bond-Graph of the motor based on pre-defined models available in the literature in this field. In the next step, the Bond-Graph model was converted to a block diagram of the motor. This permitted the direct implementation of the motor model in LabVIEW visual programming environment. The preliminary steps allows us to check and confirm the functionality and correctness of the model. This article covers in detail the model conversion and implementation steps of the simulation. At the end, the functionality of the simulation was tested.

Bridging the Gap: Template-Based Coding for Transitioning from Visual Logic to Text-Based Programming

Visual programming environments, which utilize visual blocks or flowcharts to represent programming logic, have emerged as a key strategy to assist novice learners in overcoming the complexities associated with text-based programming. However, transitioning from these visual representations to full-text programming often presents a significant challenge for these learners. One solution to this challenge is the use of template-based coding, which has been shown to increase performance and reduce the number of errors made by students studying computer programming. This study used an experimental assignment and survey to evaluate the Code-By-Template (CBT) application among 82 students, revealing enhanced coding proficiency and positive student attitudes, highlighting the effectiveness of CBT in programming learning. The CBT, in particular, has been found to enhance students’ performance in successfully solving programming problems. The observed improvement in performance can be attributed to a 17% increase in scores (correctness) during the same time frame, suggesting a decrease in the number of errors. It is important to acknowledge that the scores mostly depend on the number and type of errors. Beyond this performance improvement, students have also expressed interest, describing the CBT as “extremely helpful” and “making programming easier.” This highlights the qualitative benefits of the tool in promoting appreciation for it, indicating its potential to enhance engagement as well as learning outcomes. The difficulty of learning programming code has had a persistent impact on retention rates in computer programming courses. However, the improved performance and learning ease facilitated by the CBT environment may offer a solution to this retention problem. By making the learning process more manageable and less error-prone, the CBT environment can help to ensure confidence-boosting and interest-fostering that lead to more students successfully completing their programming courses and continuing their studies in this field.

Electric Signals in Machine Learning Using AppInventor and Arduino

Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have introduced machine learning and its applications into everyday life. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into the educational system, researchers are focused on developing tools that allow students to interact with machine learning in a way that sparks their curiosity and teaches them essential concepts. Our instructional proposal, titled “Electric Signals in Machine Learning Using App Inventor,” focuses on applying learning, transfer, and classification models of audio spectrograms to teach students in the first year of high Secondary school (A’ Lyceum) fundamental concepts of machine learning. This is accomplished using MIT App Inventor and Arduino’s visual programming environments. Students will use the website “Personal Audio Classifier” to train an audio model and App Inventor to connect computer science and machine learning. In addition, with the aid of the Arduino microcontroller, students will engage in visualising Morse code signals and investigating Physical Computing, allowing them to create digital solutions that connect to the real world.

Artificial intelligence learning platform in a visual programming environment: exploring an artificial intelligence learning model

Artificial intelligence learning platform in a visual programming environment: exploring an artificial intelligence learning model

Visual programming environment for multidimensional fuzzy interval-logic regulators

Visual programming environment for multidimensional fuzzy interval-logic regulators

A Computer Programming-Based Digital Artifact to Introduce Axial Symmetry in Primary School: An Instrumental Approach

In this paper, we describe an educational activity involving the use of a digital artifact, implemented in a visual programming environment, for mediating the learning of axial symmetry in primary school through algorithmics and computer programming. The educational activity was designed with the aim of bringing out increasingly “advanced” utilization schemes and solving strategies by students. We use an instrumental approach for analyzing how the systematic and intentional choice of technological artifacts and tools, i.e. the instrumental orchestration, guided instrumental genesis by the students. The analysis of the case study of Arianna seems to show how her evolution of utilization schemes is related both to the emergence of increasingly time and effort efficient strategies and to a growing understanding of the functionality of the visual programming environment.

The power harmonic components distribution study in the power circuit of a dynamic voltage restorer

Purpose. Investigation of the distribution of harmonic power components in the power circuit of a dynamic voltage restorer. Methodology. On the basis of the differential equations of the power circuit of a dynamic restorer, a search for the relationship between the mode parameters and the parameters of the circuit elements is performed. On the basis of the obtained expressions, a model of a dynamic voltage regulator was created using the methods of mathematical modeling in the visual programming environment.. Findings. The equations that reflect the relationship between the mode parameters of a dynamic voltage restorer and the parameters of circuit elements are obtained. As a result of modeling the mode with different harmonic composition of current and voltage, the following features of the distribution of instantaneous power components are revealed. Originality. It has been established that the presence of different current and voltage harmonics acting in the transformer of a dynamic restorer causes additional power harmonics that are transformed in the windings. It is noted that the low-frequency power harmonics of the LC filter dominate on the capacitor, which is connected in parallel to the transformer winding, while the level of high-frequency components caused by PWM modulation for the capacitor and the filter choke differ slightly. The zero-frequency power component of the storage capacitor corresponds to a tripled zero-time power component at the output of the converter, which is due to its operation in three phases. This cannot be extended to the second and third harmonics of the powers of the converter and the capacitor; these components are absent in the latter, which is due to energy exchange processes between the phases of the converter. Practical value. Using the obtained expressions, the principle of determining the parameters of the elements of the power circuit of a dynamic voltage restorer, in particular, the storage elements, is formulated.

Abstracting and decomposing in a visual programming environment

A growing body of research concerned with computational thinking (CT) has emerged the last couple of years, but there is still a lack of consensus about the definition of CT. There are also gaps in the understanding of how young children manifest CT. With this paper, we contribute to the field by taking an action perspective with the CT of K-3 students. The analysis focus on iterative acts of abstraction and decomposition as a core process that elicits development of CT. We call these iterative acts the Abstraction/Decomposition spiral (AD spiral). By illustrating the AD spiral through the actions of two first grade students, the analysis shows how visual representation of an emerging solution, and the development of a plan are two important elements when young students solve problems in a coding context, developing their CT.

DEVELOPING A MOBILE ROBOT WITH VOICE COMMANDS

The paper deals with the development of a transport robot control system with voice commands and simulation of their movement in Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio (MRDS) software product. The advantages of MRDS over other programmes are discussed. The programming language used was VPL, a visual programming environment for creating and debugging applications. It was designed multi-level control of the robot. At the top level of control, human voice commands are recognised, setting the direction of movement of the robot and its motion functions. At the lower level, the wheel speed is controlled by a microcontroller, which generates pulse width modulation output signals.

Enabling End-Users in Designing and Executing of Complex, Collaborative Robotic Processes

Over the last years, capabilities of robotic systems have quantitatively and qualitatively improved. But going beyond isolated robotic systems, the integration and interoperability of robotic capabilities in complex work processes remains a major challenge. This lack of tools to integrate robots needs to be addressed on technical, semantic and organizational level. In the ROBxTASK research project, we developed an approach to support cooperation between different types of users in order to enable domain experts, with no robotic know-how, to work with robot-assisted workflows. By engineering robotic skills at a useful and usable level of abstraction for experts in different domains, we aim to increase re-usability of these skills on two different levels, (robotic) device level, and on level of application specific workflows. The researched prototype consists of a web platform, which allows (a) engineers to register (robotic) devices and the implemented skills of the devices, (b) domain experts to use a graphical task design environment to create workflows across multiple robotic devices and lastly (c) robot co-workers to download and execute the workflow code in a local environment with digital twins or real robots. Additionally skills and workflows can be shared across organisations. Initial user studies have shown that the visual programming environment is accessible and the defined skill-set is easy to understand even for domain experts that are inexperienced in the field of robotics.

Effects of Simulation Games on students’ Computational Thinking and Game Experience for Programming Courses in Primary School

There is substantial evidence that incorporating interactive environments for game-based instruction has a significant potential to support the development of computational thinking and programming skills in primary education students. However, it is not clear whether a simulation game (SG) with different user interface elements, created via three-dimensional (3D) virtual worlds and visual programming environments to project various problem-solving exercises in a simulated reality, can significantly influence students to think and practice "computationally" their solution plans into code. The current study aims to identify any possible added value of each instructional approach by measuring students’ game experience and learning performance. This quasi-experimental study involved ninety participants (n = 90) aged between 10 and 11 years that consisted of two comparison conditions. The experimental group (n = 45) received training using OpenSimulator in combination with Scratch4SL, whereas the control group (n = 45) was trained using Scratch. The findings indicate considerable differences in students’ game experience and satisfaction, but no statistically significant difference in their learning performance and knowledge gain was identified. This study provides several design implications for user interface and game elements to inform educational practitioners and instructors about the benefits that each approach can offer students for better knowledge acquisition and deeper disciplinary understanding.

Algorithm for designing load-bearing structures of a multi-storey building using the visual programming environment DYNAMO STUDIO

Objective. The article is devoted to the actual problem of minimizing the designer's work time using Dynamo Studio as a powerful tool for automating design tasks.Method. A description of some of the possibilities of the Dynamo Studio visual programming environment when developing a building project in the Revit software package is given.Result. Dynamo scripts work methods are presented and described, which allow to significantly speed up the processes of modeling and preparation of project documentation. The principles of information modeling make it possible to increase the speed of the project work being carried out without adversely affecting its quality. This makes it possible to avoid a wide range of design errors, which in the future will not lead to corresponding problems during the construction phase of the facility. The results of the application of the developed algorithms for the automated construction of a three-dimensional model of a multi-storey building are presented.Conclusion. Using the visual programming environment allows you to create an information model that updates its configuration when the elements included in it change.

Toward improving student motivation and performance in introductory programming learning by Scratch: The role of achievement emotions.

This study investigated the differences in programming novices' intrinsic motivation and performance within a Scratch-based programming learning environment using a pretest-posttest intervention design. Specifically, this study aimed to examine what and how achievement emotions were aroused to impact learners' academic success during Scratch implementation processes by employing regression analyses. One hundred and seventy-two undergraduates (Mage = 20.44, SDage = 1.09, 55.8% female) were voluntarily recruited to participate in a Scratch-based instruction workshop during a 6-week period. The workshop was structured with regard to preparation, Scratch-based programming learning and projects, and assessment activities and questionnaire implemented both before the instructional period and after the workshop. The results suggested that the Scratch-based intervention significantly increased students' overall motivation and examination performance. Concerning achievement emotions, the outcome emotion of hopelessness first negatively predicted students' motivation and performance. Anxiety then replaced hopelessness as a negative predictor, while enjoyment was the strongest predictor of motives and performance. Taking eight emotions together, the arousal of activity and outcome emotions within visual programming environments facilitated students' emotion dynamics that impacted motivation and performance. The discussion and contributions concerning the mechanism behind the effectiveness of visualization and the emotion-performance relationship are presented herein.

The use of mobile learning applications in higher education institutes

Nowadays, many people, especially students, enjoy spending their free time with mobile devices. The main reason for this is that an intelligent device based on current information presents the desires and requirements of students. A nowadays-promising technology to overcome the problems in m-learning, mobile devices provide reliable, customized and guaranteed dynamic computing environments for all users. This article presents a new pedagogical architecture for a mobile learning system in an extended cloud-computing environment enriched with smart devices. This architecture can be applied everywhere where there is a need for intensive teaching and learning in higher education. The system architecture was described together with the discussion of knowledge assessment methods possibilities and potential issues. In addition, a solution to the problem of developing applications for organizing mobile learning using the visual programming environment MIT App Inventor is proposed. The results of experiments on the use of mobile education were analyzed and presented in tabular diagram form.

ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ЖИЗНЕННЫМ ЦИКЛОМ ОБЪЕКТА СТРОИТЕЛЬСТВА С ПРИМЕНЕНИЕМ ТИМ

A rapidly developing area in the management of the life cycle of a construction project is the automation of design, construction control, and other stages based on scripts or plug-ins. With the correct application of such algorithms, it is possible to significantly reduce labor costs and ensure an increase in the productivity of the workflow. Information modeling technologies (TIM) are popular and training resources can be found on the Internet, however, attention is focused on the result of work, without describing the algorithm or the methodology of the script or plugin. There are practically no TIM products for performing complex automation processes in the public domain. This article describes the operation of the “Punching Contours” script developed in the “Dynamo” visual programming environment and each functional stage of the algorithm is considered in detail. This script is intended for use in the design of the supporting frame of a building or structure and when performing verification calculations during construction control or during a technical inspection.

Visual programming and computational thinking environments for K-9 education: a systematic literature review

Visual programming and computational thinking environments for K-9 education: a systematic literature review

Visual programming and computational thinking environments for K-9 education: a systematic literature review

Visual programming and computational thinking environments for K-9 education: a systematic literature review

Development of Programming Learning Support System with Function for Switching Display Language and for Showing Students' Learning Status to Teachers

For the education of programming beginners, the visual programming environment Scratch and the Japanese programming language Nadeshiko are attracting attention. These are excellent tools for learning programming. However, in order to program in a language used in practice, it is necessary to newly learn language-specific grammar, built-in functions, coding styles, and so on. It is difficult to utilize the knowledge learned in visual programming as it is. We propose a programming learning system that has a language switching function that switches the display of blocks to another programming language and a function that executes the program in a visually form. The learner can learn efficiently while comparing the language he/she knows with the language he/she does not know, and can intuitively grasp the behavior of the program.