Programme / Paper

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present an intervention strategy for first year computing students, who have a form of anxiety/stress with the technology and learning computers, which is ultimately impinging on their ability to learn computer programming. If students feel themselves ‘in control' and comfortable with the technology and fully understand the structured approach of programming, will they feel more comfortable and more settled in their learning environment? We are not questioning the teaching methodology, the student effort or best practices in programming. The ‘Intervention Strategy' developed presents a framework for students to follow in developing their understanding and learning of programming. By creating the environment and utilizing resources and skills, we enable the student to befriend the technology and visualize the abstract program in order to develop the solution.