A Scratch-Based Simulation of Virus Spread as a Constructionist E-Learning Project
A Scratch-Based Simulation of Virus Spread as a Constructionist E-Learning Project

Summary/Abstract: This article presents a qualitative case study of a Scratch-based simulationproject created by a primary school student during a period of remote learning.The study explores how designing a simple agent-based model in a visual programmingenvironment can support the development of digital and computationalcompetences. The analysis draws on three sources of data: the Scratch artefact,competition documentation, and a retrospective semi-structured interview withthe project’s author. The findings indicate that constructing the simulation helpedthe student develop key computational practices – such as decomposition, iterativerefinement, and problem-solving – and enabled her to explore causal relationshipswithin a simplified model. The project demonstrates how accessible programmingenvironments can facilitate constructionist learning by engaging learners in designingand testing executable artefacts. The results further suggest that simulationbasedprojects can enrich remote and hybrid education by providing opportunitiesfor active experimentation and reflective analysis. The study’s main limitation isits single-case design, which narrows the scope for generalisation. Further comparativeand longitudinal research is needed to assess wider educational impact ofstudent-created simulations.

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