The effect of Code.org platform on 6th grade students' learning programming

It is transferred to the students that the aim is not solving the problems encountered in life but the important one is the process lived by the programming teaching. Visual programming environments are benefited for the purpose of easier and more effective teaching of programming which is described as a difficult learning process. In this study, the effects of Code.org platform on the programming learning of 6th grade students were investigated. The research was carried out with students studying in a secondary school affiliated to the Ministry of National Education. In this study, Attitude Scale for Educational Computer Games Supported Coding Learning developed by Keçeci, Alan and Zengin (2016), Semi-Structured Interview Form for Code.org Platform and Programming Learning Leveling Tool are used as data collecting tools. In the research carried out in accordance with the experimental research design, 2 X 3 (experimental - control X pre-test - final-test - re-test) model from the real trial models was used. At the beginning of the application, data collecting tools were applied to two groups, and then students participated in programming in two different ways as usual methods and Code.org platform supported methods. After the end of the experimental process, the final-test measurements were taken from the groups and the interview form was applied to the experimental group. Five weeks after the completion of the experimental procedure, re-test measurements were taken for the permanence of programming learning. The results of the interview form were interpreted descriptively with the content analysis. The data obtained from the other measurement processes were evaluated by using Mann Whitney U test, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test, covariance analysis (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni paired comparisons test and SPSS statistical package program. As a result of the research, it was found that Code.org platform had more positive effects on students' programming learning and retention of programming learning than usual teaching methods. In addition, the Code.org platform positively increased the students' attitudes towards educational computer games supported coding learning. As a result of the conducted semi-structured interviews, it was revealed that this platform had a more positive effect on students' achievement; students enjoyed more of the learning process and developed more positive attitudes towards the Information Technology and Software course. Considering the process and results of the study; it is recommended to integrate the Code.org platform into learning environments and to be done new research to expand the experimental studies in this area. Keywords: Code.org, Visual Programming, Programming Learning.