Deep Learning in Computer Programming Courses: Designing Related Syllabus in the IS Curriculum

Abstract

Teaching computer programming (CP) requires cutting-edge practical approaches, including (i) updated course design, (ii) modern pedagogical techniques, and (iii) course completion that verifies practically applicable knowledge. Most existing literature has examined various teaching methods and their combinations for conducting CP courses (ii) in the information systems (IS) discipline. However, the other two practical aspects (i & iii) have rarely been considered together for developing effective teaching and learning environments, even though combining different teaching approaches greatly promotes deep learning and helps build practice-oriented knowledge. Therefore, this study argues that achieving this goal is unlikely without the comprehensive and integrated development of all three practical aspects. This research offers a clear pathway for organizing introductory CP courses within the IS curriculum by uniting these course practicalities into a single framework. The framework was created based on data from a Norwegian public university and evaluated at a state university in the US. With necessary adjustments, this study can also be applied to teaching other CP courses in this field.