Write2Code: Pen-Based Educational Tool for Java

Authors

  • Pedro Guillermo Feijoo-Garcia University of Florida
  • Yu-Peng Chen University of Florida
  • Shaghayegh Esmaeili University of Florida
  • Yingbo Ma University of Florida
  • Christina Gardner-McCune University of Florida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v16i03.17979

Keywords:

Computing education, handwritten recognition, visual languages, instructional technologies, scaffolding

Abstract


Java instruction generally involves the use of Integrated Development Envi-ronments (IDEs) to assist learners in understanding program structure and code syntax. However, the usage of IDEs can make learners’ understanding dependent on the computer, which makes it challenging for them to transi-tion to write their solutions by hand for programming assessments and cod-ing interviews. Research suggests that handwriting slows down learners’ thinking processes, helping them to better reflect on and engage in problem-solving contexts. We developed Write2Code, a handwriting-recognition ap-plication, to scaffold students’ learning of code syntax and logic by recog-nizing Java input from their handwritten text. In this paper, we present the tool’s architecture, features, and third-party technologies. We also describe how our design helps learners understand Java through an interface that promotes an unplugged experience with feedback similar to an IDE.

Author Biographies

Pedro Guillermo Feijoo-Garcia, University of Florida

Fulbright Doctoral Researcher Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA

Yu-Peng Chen, University of Florida

Ph.D. student from the INIT Lab, advised by Dr. Lisa Anthony. He is affiliated to the Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A.

Shaghayegh Esmaeili, University of Florida

Ph.D. student from the INDIE Lab, advised by Dr. Eric Ragan. She is affiliated to the Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A.

Yingbo Ma, University of Florida

Ph.D. student from the LearnDialogue Lab, advised by Dr. Kristy Boyer. He is affiliated to the Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A.

Christina Gardner-McCune, University of Florida

Associate Professor and the Director of the Engaging Learning Lab. She is affiliated to the Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department at theUniversity of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A.

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Published

2021-02-12

How to Cite

Feijoo-Garcia, P. G., Chen, Y.-P., Esmaeili, S., Ma, Y., & Gardner-McCune, C. (2021). Write2Code: Pen-Based Educational Tool for Java. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 16(03), pp. 307–315. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v16i03.17979

Issue

Section

Short Papers