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From "What Are You Doing?" to "How Are You Doing?": Learning Analytics, Student Narratives, and Holistic Support in Introductory Programming

Denis Zhidkikh
University of Jyväskylä

Abstract: First impressions are paramount for new university students. First-year programming courses can open the vast world of computer science to many, yet without the right support, they can unintentionally act as gatekeepers. Building an inclusive and engaging course experience requires a strong combination of robust course design and timely student support. In this talk, I will explore the intersection of course design and learning analytics, based on my experience teaching and designing courses, as well as my research with the Computing Education Research group at the University of Jyväskylä. I will highlight how our understanding of student learning has evolved through learning analytics, and how those insights are starting to be utilised in the recent redesigns of our programming courses. The talk will also touch upon my recent shift in interest towards exploring student learning through personal narratives to understand why certain behaviours prevail. I will discuss how the preliminary results of this inquiry have directly informed our teaching assistant training practices. Finally, I will share my future vision for integrating student counselling practices into course structures, helping to engage and support students on their paths towards forming an identity as programmers.

Bio: Denis Zhidkikh is a university lecturer at the University of Jyväskylä. Specialising in educational technology, Denis has worked as a maintainer of the university's online learning management system TIM. Their research interests lie within computing education research, specifically in self-regulation, learning analytics, and student support. As an educator, Denis has designed and currently teaches courses in introductory programming, databases, and data management at the University of Jyväskylä. Additionally, Denis has contributed to the design of several courses across the Faculty of Information Technology.