SCAFFOLDING FOR VISUAL PROGRAMMING: DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF A MODEL-DRIVEN ENGINEERING APPROACH

Abstract

The learning of programming is increasingly gaining importance; however, it is a task that many students consider difficult, as it involves understanding theoretical concepts, knowledge of syntax and semantics of a programming language, syntactic coding, and programming logic for constructing a solution to a problem. In this regard, this work presents the current state of a tool based on Model-Driven Engineering and Model-to-Text Transformations to facilitate the teaching of programming through scaffolding techniques. Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF), Sirius, and Acceleo tools are employed for building this tool. To validate the tool, a comparative study is conducted between an experimental group that uses the designed tool and a control group that uses Eclipse IDE. Data is collected through questionnaires at the beginning and end of the experience, evaluating aspects such as emotions, acquired knowledge, and tool usability. The effectiveness of the tool and its impact on students' positive emotions, as well as knowledge enhancement, could be determined.