Integrating Formative Feedback in Introductory Programming Modules

Abstract

Introductory programming modules are challenging for both the lecturers and students. In previous works, the authors have introduced educational innovations to mitigate these challenges and facilitate learning. This paper presents a further step forward, proposing a learning process enriched with formative feedback. To this end, visual programming environments and educational robots are combined and complemented with automatic source code verification and validation feedback. The feedback integration proposal is presented along with the lessons learned from previously carried out experiments that established the basis of this paper. The proposal has been implemented and tested in the object oriented programming module in the bachelor’s in computer management and information systems engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of Vitoria-Gasteiz, UPV/EHU University. The results of the evaluation have been positive and are also presented here.