This session presents user experiences from a web-based learning environment for computer programming. In this system, students write programs, which are then automatically tested and results are reported back to the students immediately showing their mistakes. The environment allows the teachers to follow student progress and react, when there are signals indicating problems in learning. It is also possible to compare the students’ program codes in order to detect plagiarism. The learning environment includes a theory part of each programming language making it possible for the students to study whenever they want and wherever they want. The system is fully web-based and locates on the service provider’s server, so the users do not need to install anything. In practice, traditional classroom is not necessarily needed and teaching or support can be provided globally. Surveys show that the students appreciate the freedom the system offers and also the immediate feedback.
2. Satu Alaoutinen
M.Sc. (eng.), Computer Science
Teacher in CS laboratory
Graduate student – doctoral studies about
developing programming instruction
Teaching programming courses since 1997
Experiences of Viope tools since 2001
Brainstorming and testing the first version of
the automatic program assessment tool
3. Lappeenranta University of
Technology
University of technology and business
~ 5000 undergraduate students
Expertise in
– Russian affaires,
– Management of business and innovation,
– Energy efficiency and the energy market,
– Strategic management of business and
technology,
– Scientific computing and modeling of industrial
processes
4. Antti Lihavainen
Viope Solutions Ltd
– CEO 2009
– Software Engineer 2001-2003
MoonTV, CERN, Elisa Plc, Destia Ltd,
Shanghai NSD Development Co. Ltd
Computer Science @ Lappeenranta
University of Technology
EU-China Managers Exchange & Training
Programme
5. Background of Viope Tools
Viope Solutions Ltd was founded as a spin-
off from LUT, 2001
Automatic Response Technology (ART) was
developed for helping teachers routine
work
Focus on programming but ART also
developed for mathematics
Company aiming for international markets
– Holland, China, United States
7. Viope tool in brief
Web-based use, no need for installations
24/7 supported training for students, freedom to
learn anytime, anywhere
ART support for C, C++, Java, SQL, PHP, Python,
Ruby
Monitoring tools for teachers
Content control by teacher, possibility to input
extra materials by teacher
Exam function
Plagiarism detection
Tutor available as an option
8. Teaching tools for programming
Integrated development environment,
IDE
– Programming in general
Submission systems
– Assignment uploading/assessment
Tutoring mechanisms
– Hints for debugging
Virtual learning environments, VLE
9. Viope at LUT
Has been in use for 10 years in different
courses
– C, C++, Python, SQL
Studies show its usefulness
– Jeffrey Carver, Lisa Hende, "Viope as a Tool
for Teaching Introductory Programming: An
Empirical Investigation,"
– Vihtonen E. and Ageenko E., (2002) “VIOPE-
computer supported environment for
learning programming languages.”
10. Administrative point of view
Automatic assessment saves
– Time
– Money
– Effort
At LUT one teaching assistant less /
course
Do not replace all teachers
Supports self-paced/individualized
learning less drop-outs
11. Teacher's point of view
Automatic assessment saves time
Automatic assessment saves effort
It is possible to use more assignments
– Programming is learning by doing
Wrong mental models are corrected before
they fix in mind
Follow up tools reveal problems and make
it possible to intervene in early stages
Plagiarism detection
12. Student's point of view
Students are not bound to a classroom
Possibility to proceed at own pace
Wrong mental models are corrected
before they fix in mind
Own compiler environment is not
necessary
13. Global point of view
Classroom is not required
Web based
Can be used without any installations /
servers
Distance tutor available at preferred
level
14. Programming demo
Student at work
– Studying
– Coding
– Debugging
– Seeking advice
Teacher of the course
– Following students
– Plagiarism
15. Looking for information?
www.viope.com
More articles:
– Vihtonen, E. & Alaoutinen, S. & Kaarna, A.
Computer Supported Learning Environment
for C Programming Language
satu.alaoutinen{@lut.fi, @gmail.com}
antti.lihavainen@viope.com