Alice's Adventures in Programming Narratives

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Cutting-edge Technologies in Higher Education

ISSN: 2044-9968
Series editor(s): Charles Wankel

Subject Area: Education

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Document Information:
Title:	Alice's Adventures in Programming Narratives
Author(s):	Reneta D. Lansiquot, Candido Cabo
Volume:	4 Editor(s): Randy Hinrichs, Charles Wankel ISBN: 978-1-78052-052-0 eISBN: 978-1-78052-053-7
Citation:	Reneta D. Lansiquot, Candido Cabo (2011), Alice's Adventures in Programming Narratives, in Randy Hinrichs, Charles Wankel (ed.) Transforming Virtual World Learning (Cutting-edge Technologies in Higher Education, Volume 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp.305-325
DOI:	10.1108/S2044-9968(2011)0000004016 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Article type:	Chapter Item
Abstract:	This chapter describes our innovative approach to the teaching of computer programming and writing; professors worked with students across classes united by a theme of narrative. A year-long study examined if using Alice, a three-dimensional microworld programming software that allows users to create interactive narratives, was more effective than Visual Basic (VB) in developing problem-solving abilities in first-year college students in introductory computer programming courses. Results revealed that although both the Alice and VB group showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in performance for problem-solving questions related to computer programming, only the Alice group showed a significant increase in problem-solving abilities not directly related to computer programming, and an increase in student retention.