Algorithmi: software system to support the learning of programming
António Manso, Célio Gonçalo Marques, Paulo Santos · 2018
Learning programming is a hard frustrating process for students with greatest difficulties. Programming involves thinking abstractly, which requires motivation and commitment. For this reason, traditional teaching approaches are being replaced by more attractive technological solutions such as Logo and Scratch. Although learning how to program with these tools is extremely fun and easy, they are very different from the commercial programming languages students will come across in the working world. This led to the creation of Algorithmi, a system designed to support the learning of algorithmics composed by an algorithmic language that can be translated into traditional programming languages, an algorithm editor that minimises mistakes and corrects algorithms; and an information system with a database of exercises which can be fed-in by the instructor. Algorithmi is being developed since 2016 and its usability was tested by faculty members and students. The enthusiasm was unanimous and, in the 2018/2019 academic year, Algorithmi will start to be taught in all introductory programming courses offered at IPT, and consequently its assessment in learning context.