Overview

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This project aims to serve the national interest by developing an online platform that will help to improve retention in introductory computing courses. A computer science degree is tied to developing technical skills, which may be taught while students solve problems involving challenging tasks. Solving such challenging tasks helps students to learn but often results in struggles with the material. When used properly, insights gained from these struggles can become instruments to promote learning and self-efficacy, thus becoming productive struggles.

Converting classroom challenges to productive struggles as a means for learning may help to improve retention in introductory computer science classes. The online platform, called PULSE (Productive strUggle for deveLoping Self Efficacy), is intended to foster productive struggles, improve self-efficacy, and enhance skill development.

PULSE will make use of long-form computer programming assignments outside the classroom. The platform will allow students to develop their programming solutions in an online programming environment. Students will be able to view the assignments, save their program, compile and run their code. Lastly, students will submit their assignments for grading. Pulse will enable instructors to identify when and where students struggle while developing their code. Instructors will have a way to work with the students' challenges before the deadline.