Improving programming skills using computer based feedback and peer group competition
Norbert Grotz · 2016
Writing software is as much a skill as it needs knowledge. Skills come by practice and effective practice needs repetitions and variations. However, many students are not always intrinsically motivated to practice enough and often not able to apply appropriate variations in practicing. This paper describes the principle of an online platform with the goal to generate the necessary amount of practicing and meaningful exercise variations in order to attain the required skills in programming for students in engineering courses. The platform offers a unique combination of ubiquitous availability, runtime modes, peer group data and instant feedback. Additionally it describes the results of a comparative study with and without using this tool.