Changes in functional brain activity patterns associated with computer programming learning in novices

Background Computer programming, the process of designing, writing, and testing executable computer code, is an essential skill in numerous fields. A description of the neural structures engaged and modified during programming skill acquisition could help improve training programs and provide clues...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain Structure and Function Vol. 228; no. 7; pp. 1691 - 1701
Main Authors: Hishikawa, Kenji, Yoshinaga, Kenji, Togo, Hiroki, Hongo, Takeshi, Hanakawa, Takashi
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.09.2023
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects:
Activity patterns
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomedicine
Brain mapping
Cell Biology
Cerebellum
Computer programming
Cortex (parietal)
Frontal gyrus
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
Functional plasticity
Magnetic resonance imaging
Motor skill learning
Neuroimaging
Neurology
Neuroplasticity
Neurosciences
Occipital lobe
Original Article
Temporal lobe
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
Programming learning
Program comprehension
Code comprehension
The neuroscience of programming
ISSN:1863-2661, 1863-2653, 1863-2661, 0340-2061
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Background Computer programming, the process of designing, writing, and testing executable computer code, is an essential skill in numerous fields. A description of the neural structures engaged and modified during programming skill acquisition could help improve training programs and provide clues to the neural substrates underlying the acquisition of related skills. Methods Fourteen female university students without prior computer programing experience were examined by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the early and late stages of a 5-month ‘Computer Processing’ course. Brain regions involved in task performance and learning were identified by comparing responses to programming and control tasks during the early and late stages. Results The accuracy of performing a programming task was significantly improved during the late stage. Various regions of the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital cortex as well as several subcortical structures (caudate nuclei and cerebellum) were activated during programming tasks. Brain activity in the right inferior frontal gyrus was greater during the late stage and significantly correlated with improved task performance. Although the left inferior frontal gyrus was also highly active during the programming task, there were no learning-induced changes in activity or a significant correlation between activity and improved task performances. Conclusion Computer programming learning among novices induces functional neuroplasticity within the right inferior frontal gyrus but not the left inferior gyrus (Broca’s area).
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ISSN:1863-2661
1863-2653
1863-2661
0340-2061
DOI:10.1007/s00429-023-02674-3