Improving the usability of Eclipse for novice programmers

Abstract

This paper describes how we are designing a set of plug-ins to improve teaching and learning of Java programming. Based on requirements gathered from key project stakeholders, the plug-ins include perspectives for both students and instructors. These plug-ins are being developed as part of the Gild project. The paper summarizes our design process from requirements gathering through to initial tool evaluation. In particular, it details the student perspective and describes how it addresses many pedagogical issues facing computer science educators today. Gild is currently deployed and in use at the University of Victoria.

Monitoring students' mobile app coding behavior data analysis based on IDE and browser interaction logs

“…[20] and [21] describe copy & paste strategies employed by IDE users. General aspects of IDE usability have been described by [22], while [30] suggest usability improvements for the Eclipse IDE. [10] establishes programming success predictors on the basis of IDE usage.…”

A survey of literature on the teaching of introductory programming

“…In some cases, (GILD [93], NetBeans BlueJ Edition 5 ) an IDE is modified to hide its more advanced features. Other tools (BlueJ [59], jGRASP [54], Dr Java [4] and JPie [42]) are designed specifically to support the learning of particular programming concepts.…”

Advanced widgets for Eclipse

“…This gives the developer the option to set attributes such as private, protected, public, abstract, etc... on each element. This widget is currently being used in conjunction with the Eclipse's Java Development Tools (JDT) to implement a UML Tool for rst year programmers using the Eclipse variant Gild [10]. This tool allows students to view the class structure for their assignments and check it against the assignment guidelines.…”

“…Unlike other IDEs Eclipse is being used for more than just Software Development. Eclipse is being used as an Integrated Learning Environment [10], a L A T E X Editor, and even a Platform for Games [5]. In order to increase the productivity of developers contributing plug-ins to the Eclipse environment, or even writing stand-alone applications using SWT, the Eclipse team has packaged a set of common GUI components into an easy-to-use widget set.…”