iCODE: Adaptive Training of Students’ Code Comprehension Processes  

TOPIC & TYPE: Postsecondary and Adult Education, Development & Innovation 

The UofM has been selected to receive funding in the amount of $1,999,595. DR. VASILE RUS, Jack and Jane Morris Professor, is PI for the project in an anticipated timeframe of 3 years.

The project combines design-based research with randomized controlled trials supporting CS majors, non-CS majors, and students from underrepresented groups (females, students of color, first generation status) to engage in code comprehension activities.

PROJECT SUMMMARY PURPOSE: This Development and Innovation project proposes to develop and investigate a novel education technology called iCODE (improve source CODE comprehension) that targets code comprehension, a critical skill for both learners and professionals. Offering support to enhance learners’ source code comprehension skills will have lasting positive effects for their academic success and future professional careers. iCODE will integrate reading strategies training, Animated Pedagogical Agents, inclusive and culturally responsive instructional design, and the Open ProSocial Learner Model, to improve code comprehension, learning, engagement, self-efficacy, CS identity, and retention in CS programs.  

PROJECT ACTIVITIES: The proposed research combines design-based research with randomized controlled trials to evaluate the intelligent components of the iCODE system and its overall effectiveness with respect to the educational goals. The development of iCODE will follow a design-based research and iterative systems-engineering approach. Stakeholders, such as university instructors and students, will inform the design through interviews, use cases, and walkthroughs, allowing the developers to gain insights from their knowledge and experience.  

PRODUCTS: The expected products of the project will be a novel and adaptive intervention to monitor, track, and scaffold code comprehension processes while CS majors, non-CS majors, and students from underrepresented groups (females, students of color, first generation status) engage in code comprehension activities. Furthermore, education materials such as examples for code comprehension activities and assessment instruments will be developed or adapted for the project.  

Please contact Dr. Vasile Rus for more information related to this research and funding.