Easy Coding in Biology: Pilot Workshop Design and Experiences from Block-Based Programming with in Secondary Education

Block-based coding is a way to teach Computer Science (CS) concepts and Computational Thinking (CT) skills K-12 students. Nowadays, there are more educational applications (learning apps) programming in STEM subjects, but detailed studies on which how these can be used successfully Biology classes still lacking, because apps tasks promoting CS CT combination with biological teaching content missing. This mixed-method study aims close this gap presents six elaborated exercises of the workshop “Easy Coding Biology”, employing two task formats (TF), <i>Building Cubes </i>and<i> Drone AR</i>, new learning app <colette/>. The utilizes block-based an additional augmented reality (AR) function describe several topics secondary education, for example subject Biology. After presenting design, preliminary results successful use presented. pilot was carried out 51 participants at Slovakian grammar school. implementation class, 34 students filled questionnaire, consisting open-ended closed-ended questions. Qualitative data shows one hand AR malfunctions other that liked concept. Quantitative findings indicate introduced TF </i>of <colette/> have potential convey In addition, encouraged female particular work together they found tasks/app interesting, motivating, fun.