2021/11/10 by Tahiya Chowdhury, Chowdhury, Tahiya
Computer Science · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Computers and Society (cs.CY) #E-Learning and Knowledge Management #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods #K.3.2 #Online Learning and Analytics #Online and Blended Learning
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2111.06013
openalex publication_date 2021/11/10 · openalex created_date 2022/05/05 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Collaborative learning environments such as programming labs are crucial for\nlearning experiential hands-on skills such as critical thinking and problem\nsolving, and peer discussion. In a traditional laboratory setting, many of\nthese skills can be practiced through natural interaction (verbal, facial) and\nphysical co-location. However, during and after a global pandemic, these\nlearning practices cannot be exercised safely in in-person settings any longer\nand thus need to be re-imagined for a remote learning environment. As\ndiscussions spur about effective remote learning practices, there is an urgency\nfor identifying the unique needs demanded by both students and instructors\nunder different learning environments. How can we design remote learning to\noffer broadly accessible learning, by drawing in-person practices and combining\nthem with the power of remote learning solutions? In this case study, we\npresent observations of in-person and online versions of 2 introductory\nprogramming courses offered before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our\nobservations reveal certain user needs and interaction practices under 5 themes\nthat are unique to students' prior experience with the curriculum and academic\nlevel. We find that the current online video-conferencing platforms cannot\nfoster collaborative learning among peers, lacks learning ambiance and\nspontaneous engagement between students and instructors. Based on our findings,\nwe propose design recommendations and intervention strategies to improve\ncurrent practices in synchronous remote learning that can facilitate a better\nlearning environment, particularly for introductory lab courses.\n