Remote Pair Programming

Abstract

Computing students often learn to program individually or in variously-sized groups whilst studying in computing laboratories and face-to-face classes. Previous research indicates that learning via pair programming can lead to students improving the quality of their programming, enhancing their programming skills and increasing their self-confidence when programming. Pair programming also is well established as a mechanism that supports peer learning and self-assessment for novice and more experienced students of programming. Observed benefits include increased self-efficacy, sharing of expertise, improved communication and teamworking-all enhancing employability. A considerable amount of existing work has examined pair programming benefits as they relate to campus-based students pairing face-to-face in a laboratory class-but how can distance learning students experience such benefits? This paper describes the preliminary results from a pilot study to investigate the benefits to distance learning students of engaging in Remote Pair Programming in their learning. Our investigation goes beyond academic learning to explore community, social and employability benefits, all of which are relevant to national measures of student satisfaction.

Adoption of Visual Programming Environments in Programming Learning

“…Similarly, the distinctions between the learners who work "solo" and those working in pairs were made in a 2018 paper, contributing to the conclusion that programming knowledge, collaboration, and technical skills were further improved with a partnership [40]. According to Cheng and Lei [41] and Hughes et al [37], discussions between students allow them to gain more insights, play a role in communication with others, and increase their confidence. Additionally, this phenomenon reduces communication problems between students and lecturers while increasing students' achievements and the lecturer's adequate supervision.…”

“…Several studies performed empirical research on pair programming effects in the computer field. Subsequently, Adeliyi et al [19] and Hughes et al [37] indicated that pair programming led to seven positive outcomes, including mutual encouragement, reciprocal supervision, correction, re-examination, mutual trust, self-confidence, and sharing of expertise.…”

Remote Pair Programming

“…In a pilot project, a small number of students used Adobe Connect for Remote Pair Programming (RPP). Results indicated an increase in: ability to work in a team, confidence in solving problems, sensitivity in communication with others, initiative and self-assessment [3].…”

Detecting Exclusive Language during Pair Programming

“…RPP shares similarities with traditional colocated pair programming where the person typing the code (the driver) and the person watching that coding to spot any errors or ways to improve the code (the navigator) switch roles regularly. Optimally, both pair partners verbalize their thoughts, questions, and ideas (Hughes et al 2020). Pair programming, when done effectively, is known to improve code quality, communication, and coding skills of both pair programmers.…”