Capturing and Analyzing User Interactions in Block-Based Programming With Starlogo Nova

Block-based programming environments, such as Scratch and StarLogo Nova, are popular in STEM education for introducing algorithmic thinking to non-technical users. However, capturing and understanding students' interactions with these environments in real-time is challenging for educators, limiting their ability to provide effective feedback and support. In this research, we developed an integrated replay system within StarLogo Nova that records and replays student interactions, providing teachers with the ability to review and reflect on these interactions in detail. Additionally, the system also includes analytics features that help educators summarize user interactions and identify key moments, offering perspectives that go beyond what a standard screen capture can provide. We conducted a preliminary evaluation of the system to assess its accuracy in capturing user interactions, confirming its effectiveness for educators in analyzing student behavior. The results are promising, showing improved analytics and a 99.65% reduction in file size compared to traditional screen capture.