Using computer-supported collaborative work in fundamental programming subjects

Abstract

Fundamental Programming subjects are compulsory for several technical engineering degrees. Typical face-to-face teaching may cause a lack of continuous learning and support for students, as teachers are only available at tutoring hours. Our long experience in face-to-face teaching of Fundamental Programming subjects in technical engineering studies has yielded the need for introducing ComputerSupported Collaborative Learning aspects in the teaching and learning process, on the one hand, as a necessary means for continuous learning and support and, on the other, as an effective way of increasing the motivation of students. In this paper we show how to use the Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning paradigm in semi-open teaching of Fundamental Programming subjects. We achieve this through the paradigm of Project-Based Learning that is very suited for the Fundamental Programming subjects’ domain. The key point in our approach is the design of a proper methodology that is later implemented using the Basic Support for Collaborative Work (BSCW) software. This software has several properties that make it appropriate for our methodology, though our methodology can be implemented as well using other similar software. Thus, BSCW facilitates the design of different workspaces such as repositories to provide continuously updated materials and discussion forums to generate knowledge and to provide support to students. Moreover, its tracking and awareness facilities make it very useful for the tutors and the students. All in all, we believe that the proposed methodology helps increasing the learning outcome as well as academic results of the students. We have carried out an experience for one semester and the results are promising.