First Programming Course in Business Studies: Content, Approach, and Achievement

Abstract

This paper presents the content of, a didactic approach to, and achievement of a first programming course for students engaged in business studies. Visual and textual programming were combined and a didactic approach that mainly focused on programming and fulfilling sub-tasks was used. This educational approach was applied to novice students of average ability and resulted in modest programming achievements. These achievements are first summarized, presenting the solution of a web application whose development was accessible to most students. Then, possible reasons for such achievements are discussed. The paper ends with several suggestions for practice and research, including a proposal for another sequencing of programming topics that would increase students’ motivation to learn programming and improve their learning outcomes. Requirements for hybrid environments supporting both visual and textual programming are also considered. Although the applied methodology and resulting achievements reflect the authors experience in teaching programming to second-year undergraduate students, they are relevant to teaching programming in high school education as well.