Exploring the Connections Between the Use of an Automated Feedback System and Learning Behavior in a MOOC for Programming

Hagit Gabbay, Anat Cohen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Automated Testing and Feedback (ATF) systems are widely applied in programming courses, providing learners with immediate feedback and facilitating hands-on practice. When it comes to Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), where students often struggle and instructors’ assistance is scarce, ATF appears to be particularly essential. However, the impact of ATF on learning in MOOCs for programming is understudied. This study explores the connections between ATF usage and learning behavior, addressing relevant measures of learning in MOOCs. We extracted data of learners’ engagement with the course material, code-submissions and self-reported questionnaire in a Python programming MOOC with an ATF system embedded, to compile an overall and unique picture of learning behavior. Learners’ response to feedback was determined by sequence analysis of code submission, identifying improved or feedback-ignored re-submissions. Clusters of learners with common learning behaviors were identified, and their response to feedback was compared. We believe that our findings, as well as the holistic approach we propose to investigate ATF impact, will contribute to research in this field and to effective integration of ATF systems to maximize learning experience in MOOCs for programming.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEducating for a New Future
Subtitle of host publicationMaking Sense of Technology-Enhanced Learning Adoption - 17th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning, EC-TEL 2022, Proceedings
EditorsIsabel Hilliger, Pedro J. Muñoz-Merino, Tinne De Laet, Alejandro Ortega-Arranz, Tracie Farrell
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages116-130
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9783031162893
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event17th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning, EC-TEL 2022 - Toulouse, France
Duration: 12 Sep 202216 Sep 2022

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume13450 LNCS

Conference

Conference17th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning, EC-TEL 2022
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityToulouse
Period12/09/2216/09/22

Keywords

  • Automated feedback
  • Clustering
  • Learning analytics
  • MOOCs for programming

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • General Computer Science

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