Hand-crafted programming objects and visual perception

Abstract

Novice programmers on the fringe of mainstream computer programming face a number of obstacles such as computer literacy and mastering the programming language syntax. Two programming environments currently available are briefly discussed as examples of attempts at assisting the novice programmer. These environments address the obstacle of the programming syntax, but not of computer literacy. However, a tangible programming environment can help the novice programmer overcome the computer literacy obstacle. Good visual perceptual skills is one of the requirements to be a successful tangible programmer. A quantitative test developed for measuring certain aspects of visual perception skills as appropriate to tangible programming is presented. The results of a pilot test are given