# Comparison of block-based and hybrid-based environments in transferring programming skills to text-based environments

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1906.03060 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1906.03060/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 2 Jun 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [DRAFT-What you always wanted to know but could not find about block-based environments](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2110.03073/) (2021)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Teachers face several challenges when presenting the fundamental concepts of programming in the classroom. Several tools are introduced to give a visual dimension to support the learning process. These tools rely on code blocks, easily manipulated in a plug and play fashion, to build a program. These block-based tools intend to familiarize students with programming logic, before diving into text-based programming languages such as Java, Python, etc. However; when transitioning from block-based to text-based programming, students often encounter a gap in their learning. The student may not be able to apply block-based foundations in a text-based environment. To bridge the gap between both environments, we developed a hybrid-based learning approach. We found that on average a hybrid-based approach increases the students understanding of programming foundations, memorization, and ease of transition by more than 30% when compared to a block-based to text-based learning approach. Finally, we provide the community with an open source, hybrid-based learning tool that can be used by students when learning programming concepts or for future studies.