Conceptual Framework for Programming Skills Development Based on Microlearning and Automated Source Code Evaluation in Virtual Learning Environment

Jan Skalka, Martin Drlik, Lubomir Benko, Jozef Kapusta, Juan Carlos Rodríguez del Pino, Eugenia Smyrnova-Trybulska, Anna Stolinska, Peter Svec and Pavel Turcinek
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Jan Skalka: Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia
Martin Drlik: Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia
Lubomir Benko: Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia
Jozef Kapusta: Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia
Juan Carlos Rodríguez del Pino: Computing Center of the Department of Informatics and Systems, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 30, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Eugenia Smyrnova-Trybulska: Institute of Pedagogy, Faculty of Art and Sciences of Education, University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
Anna Stolinska: Institute of Computer Science, Pedagogical University of Krakow, 30-084 Krakow, Poland
Peter Svec: Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia
Pavel Turcinek: Department of Informatics, Faculty of Business and Economics, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-30

Abstract: Understanding how software works and writing a program are currently frequent requirements when hiring employees. The complexity of learning programming often results in educational failures, student frustration and lack of motivation, because different students prefer different learning paths. Although e-learning courses have led to many improvements in the methodology and the supporting technology for more effective programming learning, misunderstanding of programming principles is one of the main reasons for students leaving school early. Universities face a challenging task: how to harmonise students’ education, focusing on advanced knowledge in the development of software applications, with students’ education in cases where writing code is a new skill. The article proposes a conceptual framework focused on the comprehensive training of future programmers using microlearning and automatic evaluation of source codes to achieve immediate feedback for students. This framework is designed to involve students in the software development of virtual learning environment software that will provide their education, thus ensuring the sustainability of the environment in line with modern development trends. The paper’s final part is devoted to verifying the contribution of the presented elements through quantitative research on the introductory parts of the framework. It turned out that although the application of interactive features did not lead to significant measurable progress during the first semester of study, it significantly improved the results of students in subsequent courses focused on advanced programming.

Keywords: conceptual framework; automated assessment; source code automatic evaluation; microlearning; introductory programming courses (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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