Introducing computer science with Project Hoshimi

(2008) Introductory programming courses have two very specific difficulties for novice students: the lack use of real world examples in the sessions; and the lack of palpable examples of the job done. We propose using Project Hoshimi, a Microsoft Platform, as a base for introducing computer programming to CS1 students. Through the paper we discuss the main advantages and disadvantages in our experience of using Project Hoshimi, comparing its use against traditional approaches, as well as against other graphic programming methods such as Alice or videogame based learning.

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