Comparison of Learning Programming between Interactive Computer Tutors and Human Teachers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

People typically learn programming from teachers in in-person courses or online tutorials. Interactive computer tutors-systems that deliver learning content interactively-have become more prevalent in online settings for teaching skills such as computer programming. Research has shown the efficiency and effectiveness of learning programming from teachers, interactive computer tutors, and a combination of both. However, there is limited understanding of learners' comparative perspectives about their experience learning from these different resources. We conducted an exploratory study using semi-structured interviews, recruiting 20 participants that had experience learning programming from both teachers and interactive computer tutors. We identified factors that learners like and dislike from both learning methods and discussed the strengths and weaknesses of them. Based on our findings, we propose suggestions for designers of interactive computer tutors, and for programming educators.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCompEd 2019 - Proceedings of the ACM Conference on Global Computing Education
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages2-8
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781450362597
DOIs
StatePublished - May 9 2019
Event2019 ACM Global Computing Education Conference, CompEd 2019 - Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Duration: May 17 2019May 19 2019

Publication series

NameCompEd 2019 - Proceedings of the ACM Conference on Global Computing Education

Conference

Conference2019 ACM Global Computing Education Conference, CompEd 2019
Country/TerritoryChina
CityChengdu, Sichuan
Period5/17/195/19/19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Computer Science (miscellaneous)
  • Education

Keywords

  • Computing education
  • Interactive computing tutors
  • Student perspectives
  • Teachers
  • Tutors

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