Title: Students' characteristics in programming learning and the design of a mobile learning platform

Authors: Chan Tong Lam; Wei Ke; Sio Kei Im; Anabela Gomes; António José Mendes; Maria José Marcelino

Addresses: Computing Programme, School of Public Administration, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao S.A.R., China ' Computing Programme, School of Public Administration, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao S.A.R., China ' Computing Programme, School of Public Administration, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao S.A.R., China ' Engineering Institute of Coimbra, Polytechnic of Coimbra, CISUC - University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal ' CISUC - Department of Informatics Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal ' CISUC - Department of Informatics Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Abstract: We studied the correlations between novice students' performance in an introductory programming course and their learning characteristics and styles as well as their motivations toward this difficult area. Based on the findings, we then provided a conceptual design of a mobile learning platform for enhancing their performance, using the most prevalent messaging and social media applications (APPs) among the students. The study took place in two different academic years for students taking introductory programming courses at Macao Polytechnic Institute in Macao and the University of Coimbra in Portugal. We compared the results of the two samples and found that although we could not establish correlations in many cases, we were able to get some insights on some context and teaching aspects that might be improved. The most important factor to improve the students' performance in their first programming course is to enhance their confidence and motivation in a visual learning environment.

Keywords: introductory computer programming; learning characteristics; motivational characterisation; learning styles; mobile learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2019.102604

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2019 Vol.13 No.4, pp.352 - 391

Received: 31 Mar 2018
Accepted: 11 Dec 2018

Published online: 30 Sep 2019 *

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