Teaching and Facilitating an Online Learning Environment for a Web Programming Module

Abstract

Over the last decade, there has been a gradual increase in the number of learners on Computer Science-based programmes, which in turn has led to a situation where educators have been teaching large classes. This is a challenge, as it can be difficult for educators to provide personalised support for each learner. The pandemic has only exasperated this further, given the online delivery of courses. The work in this paper describes the implementation of a pedagogic framework that was deployed during the delivery of a flrst-year web programming module. The motivation behind the development of this framework was driven by the need to facilitate an online learning environment for a large class, which adapted existing pedagogic approaches such as problem and project-based learning with the view to enabling learners to develop their problem-solving skills. In addition to this, an online lab co-ordination system was formulated to measure engagement and provide support to the learners.