Designing Teaching and Learning for C# Programming through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Nurhuda Mohamad Shah1*, Nor Hafizah Adnan1
1 Faculty of Education, National University of Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
*Corresponding Author: [email protected] Accepted: 15 February 2021 | Published: 1 March 2021
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Abstract: Since year 2012, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has become one of the latest revolutions for online learning especially in Malaysia. Usage of MOOCs in teaching and learning allows student and teacher to communicate through discussion threads with one another. Students who enrol courses through massive open online courses (MOOCs) tend to have different knowledge, motivation and perception towards learning process. Hence, a descriptive statistic was conducted to identify students’ knowledge, motivation and perception in using video materials to learn C# programming through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). A total of 82 Bachelor’s Degree students from two public universities in Malaysia participated in this study. This is a quantitative research and descriptive statistic was done to analyse the findings. Based on the research findings, founded that the level of students’
knowledge, motivation and perception are at a satisfactory level. As in conclusion, the study was found that the use of video tutorial in MOOCs can help them learn programming in anytime Thus, it is recommended for teachers to use this module as a reference to teach programming using MOOCs.
Keywords: C# programming, MOOCs, video tutorial
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1. Introduction
Computer programming always considered by student as one of the most difficult courses (Talib, Yassin & Nasir, 2017). Referring to Shabiralyani et. al (2015), the main reason, why computer programming is considered difficult because students are not able to come up with their own solution to solve problem. This is because, they are not able to understand various syntax and semantic in programming language (Shabiralyani et. al, 2015). Computer programming is not an option for those who enrolled in computer science course especially in higher education. In 2015, Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) announced a major change in education system by introducing the implementation of 21st century learning. According to Buletin (2013), procedure and policy in education are constantly being reviewed and replanned to strengthen the process of teaching and learning as how it was underlined in Pelan Induk Pembangunan Pendidikan Malaysia (PPIPM) 2013-2025. Various teaching aids can encourage the process of an effective teaching and learning process Shabiralyani et. al (2015) such as the use of video materials. Video is a powerful method that can be used in class and also in online learning.
Video tutorial is one of the examples used in education as a teaching aid. Brisibe & Obagah (2017) stated that, the used of a video tutorial method has been improved over the years due to the exposure to online learning. According to Zhang et. al (2006), a video tutorial is believed to be an attractive and a consistent way used in education. It is used to ensure that an effective
learning process can be provided to encourage students’ interest in education. According to Halim and Adnan (2020), online learning is introduced to improve the creativity of teachers to attract students’ interest by transforming the traditional teaching and learning into technology- based. Since year 2012, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has become current revolution for teaching and learning process. Therefore, this research is using MOOCs as a teaching module for C# programming using video tutorial.
Hence, researcher has developed a teaching module by providing chunks of video tutorial for C# programming through MOOCs as an online learning platform. According to Talib, Yassin
& Nasir (2017) learning computer programming can be tricky as it involves a various kind of syntax and semantic for different kind of programming language. It is therefore important for teacher to be aware of teaching method to deliver the best and effective learning environment to student, thus, the aim of this study is to identify students’ knowledge, motivation and perception in using video materials to learn C# programming through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
2. Literature Review
C# Programming
According to Mkhitaryan (2017), C# programming is an urban object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft. It is one of the popular programming languages internationally. In this study, C# programming lesson will cover about basic of web development using .Net framework. According to Pluralsight (2019), C# programming is believed to be a solid choice for beginners as it is relatively easy to read and write. Referring to Bradley (2001), C# programming is a simple programming language as it is familiar to C, C++ and Java such as in the aspects of statement, expression, operators and many other functions. C# can be used to create web application using Windows Forms, web applications using ASP.Net and ASP.Net core, mobile applications and many more. Hence, researcher use C# programming for web development using ASP.Net framework in this study. Therefore, researcher has provided chunks of video tutorial about basic C# programming through MOOCs.
The use of Video Tutorial affects Knowledge, Motivation and Perception.
According to Sayers, Nicell & Hagan (2003), teaching programming to a diverse group facing various challenges as it is always considered as a difficult topic and ‘male-oriented’. Hence, the effectiveness of traditionally teaching programming has become a debate (Sayers, Nicell &
Hagan, 2003). Shabiralyani et. al (2015) stated that, teachers play an important role to use various approaches to teach and enhance active learning to students. Based on Bai (2018), educational technology affects teaching and learning environment. Akaydin & Kaya (2018) supported that, technology usage in education significantly showed an improvement of students’ attitude and academic performance in a positive way. It is shown that, technology has contributed in education to provide the best and most effective learning method for student (Guvercin, 2010). Despite verbally explaining to students, teaching materials such as video tutorial, allow teachers to give explanation more clearly to students. According to Ismail et. al (2017), this method inculcates teachers’ creativity in creating video to effectively deliver their contents to students especially when teaching programming. Therefore, the video tutorial usage is believed to be impacting students’ knowledge, motivation and improve their perception in learning programming. With MOOCs usage, researcher has provided chunks of video tutorial that can be access by students in learning C# programming.
Benefits of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
According to Blake & Scanlon (2014), in the past years, MOOCs has become the most reported technology development in the field of education. Dave (2010) stated that Massive Open Online Courses MOOCs) is defined as ‘‘A MOOC is participatory. It is a way to connect and collaborate while developing digital skills. MOOCs are, maybe most importantly, an event around which people who care about a topic can get together and work and talk about it in a structured way’’. Adzhar, Abdul Karim & Sahrin (2017) supported that the use of online learning can be a flexible learning platform that allow communication between students and students and also between students and teachers. Eldy & Sulaiman (2015) also mentioned that MOOCs is not only an educational process that provide access to teaching and learning materials, but it also encourages collaboration, flexibility and capability that can enhance interaction during teaching and learning process. According to Spyropoulou et. al (2015), MOOCs for teaching and learning computer programming can help to attract students to use this platform. This is because, MOOCs is relevant to be use which will likely be significant in education as digital learning and methods. MOOCs is also believed to have the potential to personalize students’ experiences in learning (Schmidt & McCormick, 2013). Thus, this study aimed to identify students’ knowledge, motivation and perception in using video materials to learn C# programming through MOOCs.
3. Data Analysis
This study was participated by 82 students from two public university in Malaysia with programming-related background. The questionnaire was distributed which then analyzed statistically showing the frequency and percentage of the results.
Table 1: Demographic Profile
Category Frequency,
N
Percentage (%) Gender
Field of Study
Moocs Usage
Male Female Total
Computer Science Software Engineering Information Technology Multimedia
Others Yes No
33 49 82 49 18 11 2 2 55 27
40.2 59.8 100.0
59.8 22.0 13.4 2.4 2.4 67.1 32.9
Table 1 shows the demographic profile of respondent from two public university in Malaysia which participated by 82 students which the majority of 67.1% respondents have used MOOCs in learning C# programming, while the other 32.9% has never use MOOCs in learning C#
programming. On the other hand, the highest participation in this study was 59.8% respondents in the field of study of Computer Science while 2.4% of Multimedia students participated. As a whole, there were 82 sample which consists of (N=49) 59.8% female higher than male (N=33) with 40.2%.
Analysis of Students’ Level of Knowledge Learning C# Programming using Video Tutorial through MOOCs
Table 2: Knowledge of using MOOCs in Learning Programming
No. Item SD D N A SA
1. I know that MOOC is one of the teaching and learning methods at the University.
2.4 0 0 35.4 29.3 2. I am aware that MOOC is applied at the
University as my medium of teaching and learning at the University.
2.4 0 1.2 37.8 25.6
3. I have the skills in using MOOC as my learning medium at the University.
2.4 0 9.8 40.2 14.6 4. I use MOOC every day as a learning medium
at the University.
2.4 12.2 22.0 23.3 7.3 5. I think that the MOOC method gives an
advantage in helping my learning at the University.
2.4 2.4 11.0 39.0 12.2
6. I assume that the MOOC method is my preferred learning method at the University.
3.7 4.9 20.7 26.8 11.0 7. I use MOOC as my learning medium at the
University for all courses.
2.4 15.9 12.2 29.3 7.3 8. I know that many learning materials are
available from the MOOC in helping my learning at the University
1.2 1.2 3.7 42.7 18.3
9. I know MOOC can help improve my academic achievement at the University.
2.4 2.4 15.9 34.1 12.2 10. I realized I would be left behind if I did not
use MOOC as my study at the University.
2.4 6.1 17.1 26.8 14.6
Based on table 2, SD-Strongly Disagree; D-Disagree; N-Neutral; A-Agree; SA-Strongly Agree of knowledge of using MOOCs in learning programming obtained an average result since most of students voted for agree on how the use of MOOCs has helped them to learn computer programming. The higher rated question is “I know that many learning materials are available for the MOOC in helping my learning at the University” recorded the 42.7% of students averagely agree. However, there were only 1.2% of students that voted for strongly disagree with “I know that many learning materials are available for the MOOC in helping my learning at the University” statement as most of students are aware about the prepared materials in MOOCs. Besides that, the statement “I know that MOOC is one of the teaching and learning methods at the University” is average rated for strongly agree with 29.3% of students voted for it. This shows that even though most of students are aware that materials have provided in MOOCs, but only a few of them knows that MOOCs used as teaching and learning method in their institution. Therefore, the result shows the level knowledge of learning programming using MOOCs is at moderate level.
Analysis of Students’ Level of Motivation using MOOCs to learn C# Programming
Table 3: Motivation of using MOOCs in Learning Programming
No Item SD D N A SA
1. I like using MOOC as my learning medium at the University
1.2 4.9 8.5 30.5 17.1 2. I enjoy using MOOCs as my studies at the
University
1.2 3.7 7.3 47.6 7.3 3. I get encouragement from lecturers to use
MOOC as my study at the University
1.2 3.7 7.3 40.2 14.6 4. I get encouragement from my peers to use
MOOC as my study at the University.
1.2 9.8 18.3 28.9 9.8
5. I feel the use of my MOOC learning at the University saves time
2.4 1.3 11.0 39.0 13.4 6. I think the use of MOOCs as my study at the
University saves costs
2.4 2.4 13.4 32.9 15.9
Table 3 shows the overall percentage for level of motivation of using MOOCs for students’
learning. Item 2 shows the highest percentage with 47.6% of students voted agree for the statement. This result shows that students are enjoyed using MOOCs at their University. On the other hand, only 17.1% students voted for “I like using MOOCs as my learning medium at the University” statement, where there were only average of students used MOOCs for their learning process. For item 1, item 2, item 3 and item 4 shows only 1.2% students voted strongly disagree where the encouragement by lecturers and peers are important for the use of MOOCs.
Hence, the result shows the level motivation of using MOOC to learn C# programming is at a moderate level.
Analysis of Students’ Level of Perception of learning C# programming using video tutorial through MOOCs.
Table 4: Perception of using MOOCs in Learning C# Programming
No Item SD D N A SA
1. I think the semantic and syntax of the programming language learned is easy to understand
1.2 4.9 11.0 43.9 6.1
2. I think the programming language used in the classroom is very appropriate
2.4 1.2 11.0 40.2 12.2 3. I like the teaching approach used by teachers * 1.2 1.2 3.7 45.1 15.9 4. The example given by my teacher is easy to
understand *
1.2 1.2 11.0 42.7 11.0 5. The reference material provided by the teacher
helped me understand the programming language *
1.2 2.4 8.5 41.5 13.4
6. In general, do you agree with this method? 1.2 3.7 7.3 39.0 15.9 7. This method can improve skills 1.2 3.7 7.3 36.6 18.3 8. This method can increase knowledge 1.2 2.4 2.4 47.6 13.4 9. Learning content is enough for me to
understand the subject of learning
2.4 3.7 12.2 36.6 12.2 10. Opportunity to practice individually 1.2 3.7 3.7 42.7 15.9 11. Content is relevant and in line with
technological developments
2.4 3.7 0 46.3 14.6 12. The distribution of topics in learning is not too
long
1.2 1.2 7.3 42.7 14.6 13. The examples included are sufficient 1.2 6.1 19.5 30.5 9.8 14. The examples included help to understand this
learning *
2.4 1.2 12.2 41.5 9.8 15. Learning objectives are clearly stated * 1.2 1.2 11.0 42.7 11.0 16. The delivery style is interesting 1.2 2.4 12.2 36.6 14.6 17. The topic description is easy to understand 1.2 3.7 11.0 40.2 11.0 18. The language used in learning corresponds to
my level of mastery
1.2 2.4 2.4 41.5 19.5
The result shows the level of perception of learning C# programming using video tutorial through MOOCs is at satisfaction level where it has surpassed the target of the researcher.
Based on table 4, the data obtained with the high rated question is “This method can improve skills” recorded 47.6% of students agree with the statement. On the other hand, out of all questions, there were 14 items with 1.2% of students strongly disagree with most of the statements while the average percentage of 19.5% students strongly agree for the statement
“The language used in learning corresponds to my level of mastery”. Students tend to accept dual-language for their learning process. Therefore, the improvement for providing learning materials in MOOCs need to be done to satisfy students’ perception towards this method.
Students tend to enjoyed using MOOCs as their self-learning process that provide a simple and creative teaching aids. Students usually used conventional method to learn programming such as textbooks and many more. Materials provided in MOOCs give student effective learning experience. Students may gain more knowledge by exchanging ideas among peers. This can lead to the understanding of the content easily. Therefore, many improvements need to be researched to make sure the most effective way for learning C# or any computer programming can be provided for students.
4. Discussion and Conclusion
Based on the findings of the study, it was found that the percentage interpretation of students’
knowledge of the use of MOOCs in learning C# programming as a whole is at a satisfactory level. This indicates that students feel that the use of video tutorial in MOOCs can help them learn programming in anytime. Students also use the platform as a medium for learning process in their University. Besides that, the C# programming lesson is the latest programming language that students can take use to do self-learning to apply the lesson in the industry for their future career. Most of the students also preferred the use of MOOCs in all courses they enrol in University. Apart from that, students realized that they would be left behind if they do not use MOOC as their study platform as the university prepared notes, quizzes and many more in the platform.
On the other hand, the percentage shown of students’ motivation using MOOCs to learn C#
programming is at a satisfactory level too. This indicates that students are still in dilemma to fully use MOOC as a platform to learn programming. Motivation does affect students. Even though the examples and provided video tutorials are interactive and attractive to be viewed, students still think that the use of MOOCs consume their time. Students realized that MOOCs save a lot of costs, but they seem not ready to give their full attention to learn through the platform. Students motivation to use MOOCs are depending on peers’ influence as they might not have intention to open the platform at their own pace. In addition, transformation must be made for teaching and learning computer programming.
Apart from that, the percentage interpretation of students’ perception of learning C#
programming using video tutorial through MOOCs is also at satisfactory level. Students think doubtful that this method can increase their knowledge in learning C# programming. based on the research made by Peremol, Latih & Bakar (2019) regarding Java Programming, even though there were examples given in learning programming, students still cannot understand the topic. The study found that majority of the students are not confident with the use of MOOCs to learn programming. As in conclusion, this module needs to be improvised to attract students’ interest to use MOOCs to learn C# programming. Therefore, the researcher hope that this module can more or less help teachers to prepare the best method to teach programming to students. Many aspects that need to be study to move along with students’ interest. The future research suggests to study regarding students’ interest in learning programming including the learning approach that students need or study about needs analysis to learn programming to students.
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