Abstract
The learning of programming is a field of research with relevant studies and publications for more than 25 years. Since its inception, it has been shown that its difficulty lies in the high level of abstraction required to understand certain programming concepts. However, this level can be reduced by using tools and graphic representations that motivate students and facilitate their understanding, associating real-world elements with specific programming concepts. Thus, this paper proposes the use of an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) that helps during the learning of programming by using a notation based on a metaphor of roads and traffic signs represented by 3D graphics in an augmented reality (AR) environment. These graphic visualizations can be generated automatically from the source code of the programs thanks to the modular and scalable design of the system. Students can use them by leveraging the available feedback system, and teachers can also use them in order to explain programming concepts during the classes. This work highlights the flexibility and extensibility of the proposal through its application in different use cases that we have selected as examples to show how the system could be exploited in a multitude of real learning scenarios.
Highlights
Artificial intelligence (AI) has a brilliant present and future
The effectivity of the visualizations can be enhanced by using augmented reality (AR) techniques, as described in [35], which concluded with certain benefits that could help the process of learning to program, including improvements in learning, an increase in motivation, and easiness in interacting with one’s own visualizations and collaborating with other learners; for example, the one presented in [36], in which paper based markers were used to help to teach the concepts of computer graphics programming using AR and the OpenGL 3D graphic specification; and the one presented in [37], in which the same system was assessed with the students who achieved favorable results in encouraging them to learn and enhance their motivation
The system could be extended to facilitate the learning of more specific programming concepts, such as those arising in concurrent programming contexts, and even in less advanced ones aimed at children who are trying to learn to program through video games
Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI) has a brilliant present and future. there are many areas of application today with solutions to problems that society demands and that are of great interest [1]. A particular case in which AI has considerable importance is education, with one of its highest priority objectives the elimination of the traditional educational model currently in place [2] This approach focuses mainly on applying cutting-edge technology to develop intelligent learning systems that simulate the interaction between the teacher and the students or that are of great value in conducting knowledge with ease. From the point of view of the students, learning takes place in an autonomous way, as these systems are designed with the purpose of complementing, and not replacing, the role of the teacher To this approach, we can add the use of graphic representations that relate programming concepts to others with which the students may be more familiar [11]. In the context of learning to program; Section 3 focuses on the proposal of this work, presents the ITS and the related integrated notation, and explains the automatic generation of dynamic visualizations; Section 4 describes a set of use cases that attempt to demonstrate the extensibility and flexibility of the proposal; Section 5 details the conclusions and future lines of research
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