Graduation Term
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration
Committee Chair
Mohamed Nur-Awaleh
Committee Member
Traci Carte
Committee Member
John Rugutt
Committee Member
Elizabeth Lugg
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to introduce and examine the impact that two interventions have on a high failure rate introductory programing course: a pedagogical approach of introducing Live Coding instruction technique to the in-person lecture portion, and a technological approach of introducing remote collaboration software (VS Code Liveshare) to the online lab portion. This study used convergent parallel mixed methods approach for both data collection and analysis; utilizing four data collection methods: 1) online survey questionnaires 2) in-depth interviews 3) in class observations and 4) quantifiable data collection (ie., student demographic, IT experience, GPA data). The Live Coding intervention findings initially showed a final grade difference between intervention and control groups in the pilot study, but did not persist in the primary study. All other indicators suggest that this learning intervention had a positive effect in the classroom, including that students (a) prefer to see live demonstrations of how to code from scratch at a rate of 90%, (b) students who preferred to see live coding had a positive correlation on their final grade, (c) students interviewed unanimously wanted to see more live coding both now and in future iterations of the class, and (d) the faculty that implemented the intervention enjoyed using it and will voluntarily utilize it in future semesters. The second intervention of introducing remote collaboration software (VS Code Liveshare) was considered a success by the faculty and students who participated in the study. Students who completed the class (a) unanimously somewhat or strongly agreed that VS Code Live Share enhanced their ability to work with others and complete the lab assignments, (b) recommend using this software in future semesters, and (c) faculty stated it enhanced their ability to interact and help students, especially in an online style class.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Todd Edward, "Utilizing Information Technology and Hands-on Learning Practices to Improve Student Learning Outcomes in a High Failure Rate Introductory Programming Course" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 2136.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2136
Included in
Computer Engineering Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Educational Technology Commons, Higher Education Commons
