3D graphics environment
Focuses on Object Oriented Programming
Provides immediate feedback through program visualizations
Contains a drag-and-drop editor, preventing most syntax errors
Allows students to learn computer programming more easily◦ No syntax errors◦ Drag-and-Drop editor for creating programs◦ Programs are 3D movies or games
Alice is highly motivating for students
Provided free (open source) by Carnegie Mellon
Runs on
http://www.cra.org/resources/crn-archive-view-detail/undergraduate_cs_degree_production_rises_doctoral_production_steady
Education and psychology research shows evidence of three basic learning styles.◦ visual ◦ auditory ◦ kinesthetic
For most of us, one style is generally dominant.◦ Some researchers believe that visual is likely
the dominant style for the largest % of the population.
Frustrating syntax and errors % ( , ) ;◦ Arithmetic operators i.e. % ==◦ Statement separators i.e. ; , ( ) { }◦ Specialized vocabulary i.e. this
Abstract concepts Hidden data Boring Lack of creativity
Teach fundamental programming concepts to beginning programmers.
Improve retention of first-year computing majors and attract more students to computing and computing-related majors.
Problem Solution
Frustrating syntax
Abstract concepts Hidden data Boring
Drag & Drop interface
3D Graphics & Animation◦ Program visualization
Begin with a story
Appeal◦ Storytelling
particularly young women & minority students◦ Interactive computer games
particularly young men◦ Visual, not threatening
builds students’ confidence
Can be interdisciplinary
www.aliceprogramming.net
◦ syllabi/calendars◦ lectures◦ labs◦ assignments◦ sample worlds (programs)◦ sample exams◦ sample projects
More than 1 million downloads per year
19% of US universities are teaching with Alice
◦ There are roughly 3,700 U.S. colleges
3,000 High Schools teachers are using Alice
◦ Approximately 32,000 high schools in the US
3.5 million page views 528,000 unique visitors 158,000 IP addresses performed 440,540 downloads
of the system
linux1%
windows90%
macintosh9%
K - 5 6 - 8 9 - 11 12- university
SequenceSimple control structuresRelational operations
Problem SolvingObjectsMethodsFunctionsLogicStoryboardsOnline Safety
Problem SolvingAbstractionDataVariablesControl StructuresCommunication and Ethics2D vs. 3D3D models
Problem SolvingClassesObjectsMethods (Procedural and Functional)AlgorithmsScopeEncapsulationInheritancePolymorphism
K - 5 6 - 8 9 - 11 12- university
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