This session presents user experiences from a web-based learning environment for computer programming. In this system, students write programs, which are then automatically tested and results are reported back to the students immediately showing their mistakes. The environment allows the teachers to follow student progress and react, when there are signals indicating problems in learning. It is also possible to compare the students’ program codes in order to detect plagiarism. The learning environment includes a theory part of each programming language making it possible for the students to study whenever they want and wherever they want. The system is fully web-based and locates on the service provider’s server, so the users do not need to install anything. In practice, traditional classroom is not necessarily needed and teaching or support can be provided globally. Surveys show that the students appreciate the freedom the system offers and also the immediate feedback.

1. Utilizing Web-based
programming learning
environment in University
teaching
Satu Alaoutinen
Antti Lihavainen

2. Satu Alaoutinen
M.Sc. (eng.), Computer Science
Teacher in CS laboratory
Graduate student – doctoral studies about
developing programming instruction
Teaching programming courses since 1997
Experiences of Viope tools since 2001
Brainstorming and testing the first version of
the automatic program assessment tool

3. Lappeenranta University of
Technology
University of technology and business
~ 5000 undergraduate students
Expertise in
– Russian affaires,
– Management of business and innovation,
– Energy efficiency and the energy market,
– Strategic management of business and
technology,
– Scientific computing and modeling of industrial
processes

4. Antti Lihavainen
Viope Solutions Ltd
– CEO 2009 
– Software Engineer 2001-2003
MoonTV, CERN, Elisa Plc, Destia Ltd,
Shanghai NSD Development Co. Ltd
Computer Science @ Lappeenranta
University of Technology
EU-China Managers Exchange & Training
Programme

5. Background of Viope Tools
Viope Solutions Ltd was founded as a spin-
off from LUT, 2001
Automatic Response Technology (ART) was
developed for helping teachers routine
work
Focus on programming but ART also
developed for mathematics
Company aiming for international markets
– Holland, China, United States

6. Quick visit to Viope
What does it look like?

7. Viope tool in brief
 Web-based use, no need for installations
 24/7 supported training for students, freedom to
learn anytime, anywhere
 ART support for C, C++, Java, SQL, PHP, Python,
Ruby
 Monitoring tools for teachers
 Content control by teacher, possibility to input
extra materials by teacher
 Exam function
 Plagiarism detection
 Tutor available as an option

8. Teaching tools for programming
Integrated development environment,
IDE
– Programming in general
Submission systems
– Assignment uploading/assessment
Tutoring mechanisms
– Hints for debugging
Virtual learning environments, VLE

9. Viope at LUT
Has been in use for 10 years in different
courses
– C, C++, Python, SQL
Studies show its usefulness
– Jeffrey Carver, Lisa Hende, "Viope as a Tool
for Teaching Introductory Programming: An
Empirical Investigation,"
– Vihtonen E. and Ageenko E., (2002) “VIOPE-
computer supported environment for
learning programming languages.”

10. Administrative point of view
Automatic assessment saves
– Time
– Money
– Effort
At LUT one teaching assistant less /
course
Do not replace all teachers
Supports self-paced/individualized
learning  less drop-outs

11. Teacher's point of view
Automatic assessment saves time
Automatic assessment saves effort
It is possible to use more assignments
– Programming is learning by doing
Wrong mental models are corrected before
they fix in mind
Follow up tools reveal problems and make
it possible to intervene in early stages
Plagiarism detection

12. Student's point of view
Students are not bound to a classroom
Possibility to proceed at own pace
Wrong mental models are corrected
before they fix in mind
Own compiler environment is not
necessary

13. Global point of view
Classroom is not required
Web based
Can be used without any installations /
servers
Distance tutor available at preferred
level

14. Programming demo
Student at work
– Studying
– Coding
– Debugging
– Seeking advice
Teacher of the course
– Following students
– Plagiarism

15. Looking for information?
www.viope.com
More articles:
– Vihtonen, E. & Alaoutinen, S. & Kaarna, A.
Computer Supported Learning Environment
for C Programming Language
satu.alaoutinen{@lut.fi, @gmail.com}
antti.lihavainen@viope.com