Practical Teaching Reform of Programming Courses Based on Online Coding Platforms

Abstract

Programming proficiency stands as one of the most vital competencies for students majoring in computer-related disciplines. This paper scrutinizes the issues prevailing in the cultivation of programming skills. Notably, it emphasizes an imbalance in teaching, whereby concepts and syntax receive undue attention while hands-on programming experiences are inadequately incorporated. Furthermore, the absence of standardized assessment mechanisms and avenues for advanced students to enhance their skills compounds these challenges. To augment students’ programming capabilities, we have established an online coding platform, facilitating a practical teaching reform in programming courses guided by “learning, practicing, certification and competing”. “Learning” entails knowledge learning, “practicing” involves extensive programming practicing, “certification” signifies reaching programming competency standards, and “competing” denotes participation in programming competitions to enhance skill sets. Over seven years, this implementation has markedly improved students’ programming prowess. It has also led to advancements in certified software professional (CSP) and various programming competition outcomes, effectively embodying the “promoting learning and teaching through competitions” philosophy.