SIVIL: a true visual programming language for students

This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using SIVIL (SImple VIsual Language), a new visual programming language in development at Canisius College, to teach novice programmers to think more deeply about programming. In consideration of how SIVIL meets its goal of making programming easier for beginners, the paper will look at Bloom's Taxonomy, specifically at Bloom's levels of learning and how a visual language might aid or speed up the learning curve for students endeavoring to join the world of programming.