Refactoring a CS0 Course for Engineering Students to Use Active Learning

• Published in: Interactive Technology and Smart Education Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 182 - 195
• Main Authors: Lokkila, Erno, Kaila, Erkki, Lindén, Rolf, Laakso, Mikko-Jussi, Sutinen, Erkki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Active Learning; Algorithms; Collaboration; Comparative Analysis; Computer Assisted Instruction; Computer Assisted Testing; Computer science; Constructivism; Constructivism (Learning); Core curriculum; Course Descriptions; Course Evaluation; Distance learning; Educational Change; Educational Resources; Electronic Learning; Engineering; Engineering Education; Feedback (Response); Foreign Countries; Grades (Scholastic); Intervention; Learner Engagement; Learning Processes; Learning Theories; Scaffolding (Teaching Technique); Science education; Statistical Analysis; Students; Studies; Teacher education; Teaching; Teaching Methods; Undergraduate Students; Finland
• ISSN: 1741-5659; 1758-8510
• DOI: 10.1108/ITSE-01-2017-0010

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to determine whether applying e-learning material to a course leads to consistently improved student performance. Design/methodology/approach: This paper analyzes grade data from seven instances of the course. The first three instances were performed traditionally. After an intervention, in the form of applying e-learning methodologies, more data were collected from four course instances. These data are then analyzed and compared. Findings: The main finding of this paper is that the application of e-learning improved the overall grades and decreased the fail rates of students who took this course. Originality/value: This paper demonstrates the efficacy of applying e-learning methods to an undergraduate course. This paper is of special interest to educators, who wish to improve and enhance their teaching.