An interactive, graphical coding environment for EarSketch online using Blockly and Web Audio API

This paper presents an interactive graphical programming environment for EarSketch, using Blockly and Web Audio API. This visual programming element sidesteps syntactical challenges common to learning text-based languages, thereby targeting a wider range of users in both informal and academic settings. The implementation allows seamless integration with the existing EarSketch web environment, saving block-based code to the cloud as well as exporting it to Python and JavaScript.

[1]  Jason Freeman,et al.  EarSketch: An integrated approach to teaching introductory computer music , 2013, Organised Sound.

[2]  Jason Freeman,et al.  Collaborative Textual Improvisation in a Laptop Ensemble , 2011, Computer Music Journal.

[3]  Kirsten N. Whitley.  Visual Programming Languages and the Empirical Evidence For and Against , 1997, J. Vis. Lang. Comput..

[4]  Judith Good,et al.  Cognitive Factors in Programming with Diagrams , 2001, Artificial Intelligence Review.

[5]  David Anthony Bau,et al.  A Preview of Pencil Code: A Tool for Developing Mastery of Programming , 2014 .

[6]  David Bau,et al.  Droplet, a blocks-based editor for text code , 2015 .

[7]  Jason Freeman,et al.  Engaging underrepresented groups in high school introductory computing through computational remixing with EarSketch , 2014, SIGCSE.

[8]  Thor Magnusson.  The IXI Lang: A SuperCollider Parasite for Live Coding , 2011, ICMC.

[9]  Randy F. Pausch,et al.  Teaching objects-first in introductory computer science , 2003, SIGCSE.

[10]  Cyndi Rader,et al.  Degrees of comprehension: children's understanding of a visual programming environment , 1997, CHI.

[11]  S Puckette Miller,et al.  Pure Data : another integrated computer music environment , 1996 .

[12]  Jason Freeman,et al.  EarSketch : Teaching computational music remixing in an online Web Audio based learning environment , 2014 .

[13]  John Maloney,et al.  The Scratch Programming Language and Environment , 2010, TOCE.

[14]  Eric Rosenbaum,et al.  Scratch: programming for all , 2009, Commun. ACM.

[15]  Adriano Baratè,et al.  Development of Serious Games for Music Education , 2013 .

[16]  Margaret M. Burnett,et al.  Visual Programming , 1995 .

[17]  Namje Park,et al.  Computer Education's Teaching-Learning Methods Using Educational Programming Language Based on STEAM Education , 2012, NPC.

[18]  Deepak Kumar.  Digital playgrounds for early computing education , 2014, INROADS.