Experiences in Using an Automated System for Improving Students’ Learning of Computer Programming

Practical exercises and assignments are an integral part of programming course, which is a core basic skill required in computer science and best learned by doing. For effective learning, assignments have to be inspected and graded carefully but quickly so that students may benefit from the useful and timely feedback. This can be facilitated by automating the process using a specifically designed software system. PASS is such a system being developed in our department. A first version has been pilot run, with very encouraging responses from tutors and students. We observed that with this automated system, students can have their programs tested anytime, anywhere. They are encouraged to practice more without hesitation or embarrassment about their programming mistakes, and thus this learning environment can boost up their motivation to continue the practice of their programming skills. This paper aims at sharing the initial experiences we gained in using this system.