Q2A-I: A Support Platform for Computer Programming Education, Based on Automated Assessment and Peer Learning

Management and assessment of homework assignments in programming courses is a challenging topic both for researchers and practitioners. In the current paper we propose a solution based on the blending of automated evaluation and peer learning. More specifically, we introduce a platform called Q2A-I, which provides two main features: (1) automated management and assessment of homework submissions; and (2) peer interaction support on the programming tasks, by exchanging questions and answers through dedicated micro-forums. By (1) we try to relieve the teacher of the burden of manual evaluation of assignments, while still providing sufficient insight into the students’ knowledge level to discover potential need for remedial interventions. By (2) we aim to capitalize on the benefits of peer learning, allowing students to request and provide help to each other, and rely on teacher support only in a limited number of cases. The paper provides a description of the Q2A-I platform, followed by an illustration of its practical use in the context of an introductory Computer Programming course. Results related to students’ participation level as well as their subjective satisfaction with the platform are reported and discussed.