Using Social Programming Environments To Improve Computing Education

Adam S. Carter, Humboldt State University

Stevenson Hall 1300
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

At only 46%, computing has one of the lowest baccalaureate retention rates. This statistic is especially distressing given the upward trend in demand for computing professionals. To address this problem, I employ social programming environments (SPEs) to explore the application and impact of social learning theory on students enrolled in computing courses. Unlike traditional integrated development environments, SPEs provide students with opportunities to form learning communities and to engage other classmates in both formal and informal discussions. Even though participation within a learning community is positively linked to retention, such communities are frequently absent in early computing courses.