<![CDATA[Purpose – This study aims to implement an Activating Prior Knowledge (APK) strategy supported by the OOPify visual block programming tool in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) learning and to examine students' learning outcomes and learning responses following its implementation.Methods – The study employed the Research and Development (R&D) method, consisting of preliminary study, product development, implementation, and evaluation. Data were collected through observations, interviews, pretest–posttest assessments, and questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, Normalized Gain (N-Gain) analysis, and descriptive statistics.Findings – The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test showed a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores (Z = −3.346, p = 0.001). The N-Gain analysis indicated that students with low initial proficiency achieved the highest average N-Gain score of 0.493 (moderate category). In addition, the usability evaluation showed that OOPify obtained an overall usability score of 76.23%, indicating good usability and positive student perceptions. Research implications – These findings provide preliminary evidence that integrating an Activating Prior Knowledge strategy with the OOPify visual block programming platform may support students' conceptual understanding and learning experiences. Because this study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design, the observed differences should not be interpreted as definitive causal effects.Originality – This study integrates the Activating Prior Knowledge strategy through the Know–Want to Know–Learned (KWL) approach and brainstorming activities with the OOPify visual block programming tool to support more meaningful learning of Object-Oriented Programming concepts]]>
