Introduction of two new programming tools in Bengali and measurement of their reception among high-school students in Purba Bardhaman, India with the prototypic inclusion of a vector-biology module

We introduce two new software tools, Bongojontro and Bongojontro Baksobandi, aimed at reducing the barriers to programming for native speakers of Bengali, the fifth most spoken language in the world. The highlights of these software include programming in the native language of Bengali, simpler construction of programs which is friendly for beginners, and the possibility of creating and using modules which can be used to incorporate a level of abstraction that can be helpful for users of different technical skills and roles. We introduced the software to students of two semirural schools in Purba Bardhamman, West Bengal, India. The participants were a section of class XI students of age group 16–17 from both the schools. 40 students provided the full data in the succeeding survey, with 2 providing incomplete data. Among those who participated in the survey, it was found that the reception was overwhelmingly positive, with mean score greater than 6(out of 7) in 12 out of 15 survey questions. The scores were especially high on the usage of their native language on the software and its easy workflow. However, the mean "ease of learning" score was a bit low (4.45/7) compared to the other high ratings. The prototypic vector-biology module, which was a part of Bongojontro Baksobandi, also received very favorable reviews. Further work along these lines using the software and its modules seems to be a promising avenue for useful research and inclusive development in education and information technologies.