Exposing the Programming Process

Abstract

One of the most important goals of an introductory programming course is that the students learn a systematic approach to the development of computer programs. Revealing the programming process is an important part of this. However, textbooks do not address the issue —probably because the textbook medium is static and, therefore, ill-suited to expose the process of programming. We have found that process recordings in the form of captured, narrated programming sessions are a simple, cheap, and efficient way of providing the revelation. We identify seven different elements of the programming process for which process recordings are a valuable communication media in order to enhance the learning process. Student feedback indicates both high learning outcome and superior learning potential compared to traditional classroom teaching.

This chapter is based on Bennedsen, J. and Caspersen, M. E. 2005. Revealing the programming process. In Proceedings of the 36th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, February 23-27, 2005, pp. 186-190.