Development of an Intelligent Tutoring System for Computer Programming Pedagogy

International Journal of Computer Science and Technology | Vol. 9, No. 12, December 2007 | pp. 89–96

DOI: 10.46882/2007/IJCST/091209

Research Article

Title: Development of an Intelligent Tutoring System for Computer Programming Pedagogy

Names of Authors: William K. Harrison¹, Emily T. Ross²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹School of Computing, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; ²Department of Education and Technology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

Abstract: Introductory computer science courses often suffer from high student attrition rates due to the steep learning curve of syntax and logical problem-solving. This paper describes the development and classroom deployment of an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) named CodeGuide, designed to assist novice students learning the C++ language. CodeGuide integrates an automated syntax analyzer with a rule-based expert system that identifies logical fallacies in student code and outputs tailored pedagogical guidance. The software adaptively updates individual student skill profiles using a Bayesian knowledge-tracing algorithm, dynamically varying problem difficulty based on demonstrated mastery. CodeGuide was evaluated over a 12-week semester with an experimental cohort of 120 undergraduate students. Empirical data analysis demonstrated that students using CodeGuide achieved a 14.6% higher average score on final programming exams compared to the control group relying on conventional instructional methods. The student engagement metric increased, with an average platform usability satisfaction score of 4.35 out of 5.00 on the Likert scale.

Keywords: Intelligent tutoring systems, computer science education, automated assessment, Bayesian knowledge tracing, adaptive learning, C++ programming

Manuscript Timeline: Received September 4, 2007; Revised October 18, 2007; Accepted November 12, 2007; Published December 5, 2007

Citation: Harrison, W. K., & Ross, E. T. (2007). Development of an Intelligent Tutoring System for Computer Programming Pedagogy. International Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 9(12), 89–96.

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