Development of Hardware-Interfacing Learning Kit for Novice Learning Programming

Visualization tool has been proven useful in enhancing novice programmer's learning. Despite the large number of studies performed on visualization tools, it appears to be very few using it to assist students in understanding the fundamental concept of hardware software interfacing programming. Therefore, in this study, a program visualization (PV) kit was developed with the main objective is as a practical hands-on learning kit for novice in exploring and gaining basic skills of hardware software interfacing in visual environment. The ADDIE instructional design model was utilized in the design process; which consists of five principal phases namely, analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. The development processes was grounded on Cognitive Load Theory, Models of Human Memory and educational principles to ensure the maximum effectiveness of learning. The PV kit consist hardware visualization and software visualization. The hardware visualization is an external device that can be connected to the USB port, where the learners can visualize the input and output result from the task stimulated by the software. The software visualization contains main learning activities that have been organized from simple to complex tasks. It is expected that the PV kit could be benefited by the students in developing the basic skills of hardware software interfacing programming.