Innovative Software Tools for Learning and Teaching Computer Programming Concepts

Dear Colleagues,

Most Computer Science instructors agree that learning to program is a fundamental part of degree-level education in computing and a difficult task regardless of the programming paradigm used. Therefore, in the last years, much effort has focused on developing and introducing innovative pedagogical tools that help to alleviate the teaching and learning of Computer Programming. Along these years, many different approaches have been followed: from tools that include a simple and reduced development environment to example-based systems; tools based on visualization and animation; simulation and game-based environments, etc. Besides, the tools face, in very different ways, aspects such as the user interaction, the collaborative work and the personalization facilities. This special issue is open to researchers interested in the use of technology in supporting Computer Programming teaching and learning. Papers describing innovative software tools and environments and/or experience reports about their use are welcome.

Main topics:

• Design, development and evaluation of educational software for Computer Programming learning
• Innovative ICT (Information and Communication Technology) experiences in education and training in the Computer Programming area
• User-adaptive educational approaches and software tools for Computer Programming learning
• Interactive visualization tools for learning Computer Programming
• Collaborative environments used in Computer Programming learning
• Virtual-learning environments for supporting Computer Programming teaching
• Game-liked tools for education and training in Computer Programming tasks

Prof. Dr. Mercedes Gómez-Albarrán
Guest Editor