Pytch Web-app helps students write their own programs
Computer scientists from Trinity College Dublin, working with colleagues in TU Dublin, have launched a new version of the Pytch app to help students code their own computer programs.
Pytch bridges the gap between block- and text-based programing, using the common programming language Python.
Block-based programming environments like MIT’s Scratch are a very popular and successful way to introduce programming to young learners. With Scratch, learners can create fun projects with graphics and sound while learning computational thinking and coding skills. However, as these students progress through their education, they want or need to transition to using text-based systems, and encounter a number of challenges.
When learning text-based programming languages like Python, students have to jump to writing in text instead of blocks, leaving behind the world of Sprites (2D images), sounds and animations, as well as their understanding about how programs are made.
The Pytch team has so far worked with over 300 students and 30 educators, who have co-created classroom activities, testing and providing feedback to improve the platform. An eight-week Pytch course, recently created by the team, was the first course from Trinity to be included in the CSLINC environment (Computer Science Inclusive Learning Environment) which provides CS education courses to more than 6,000 students around Ireland.
Project lead, Glenn Strong, Assistant Professor in Trinity’s School of Computer Science & Statistics, said: “The novel feature of Pytch in addressing this difficulty is that it focuses on the question of programming paradigm, allowing students to continue to write the style of program they have become familiar with, supporting Sprites, sounds, and interactive event-driven programming using terms familiar from the Scratch environment… This is the result of well over a year of design and development with support and collaboration from many people in the community. Helping learners stay engaged with computing and coding is really important and we are glad to be able to support coding education with our work.”
More than 4,500 students were registered to the Pytch new lesson plan within CSLINC, with hundreds already engaging with the available materials. Pytch also has collaborators and supporters in Spain (University Rey Juan Carlos), Wales (Technocamps), and Australia. And many other educators from Spain, France, Italy, UK, US and China have contacted the team in Trinity to access the learning and teaching materials.
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