A Computational Approach to Learning Programming Using Visual Programming in a Developing Country University

The paper outlines how computer science students in developing countries can acquire computational skills using visual game programming environments aimed at motivating them to learning programming. The study shows how visual game programming using Alice supports various concepts of computational thinking and also how these concepts enhance the learning of introductory computer programming. We based our analysis on 15 first-year computer science students of the American University of Nigeria who used Alice in their introduction to computer science course. The results of the study show that Alice motivates students to learn programming and also enhances the successful use of computational thinking skills such as problem solving, debugging, simulation, algorithm building, and collaboration. The study concludes with some implications for theory and practice.