Investigating Emirati Students’ Practices of Learning Block-Based Programming in an Online Learning Context: Evidence from a UAE National Program
Wafaa Elsawah, Tendai Charles · Lecture notes in civil engineering · 2023
Abstract Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to investigate Emirati students’ perceptions about a two-week online programming course. Methodology A mixed-method approach was used to report a two-week program experience in which 913 Emirati students engaged in a programming course. During the program, students’ progress and achievements were observed. At the end of the program, a survey was distributed amongst students for them to report on their perceptions about the experience. Findings - Results revealed that most of the students enjoyed learning programming in an online environment and they fully comprehended the newly presented concepts; however, a few of them experienced various forms of technical difficulties. Implications - This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the value of programming skills and the role of online learning environments in developing these skills for school students, especially for students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Originality - The outcomes of this study may assist educational policymakers in the UAE to enhance their implementation of online learning, particularly in programming. Moreover, it may help educators better prepare for the problems that students face with online programming.