Understanding Support Needs in Computer Science Labs

In undergraduate computer science labs, ineffective collaboration and support pose challenges to comprehensive learning. The purpose of the classes is for students to be able to get real-time support as they learn to apply class concepts. Instructors and lab assistants are often left to monitor the classroom and provide support with limited time or awareness of student activities, which is exacerbated if the class takes place remotely. Recently, orchestration systems have been used to address these issues but have primarily been developed to support mathematics education. Computer science is different in that there are often multiple correct solutions and errors can occur through logical and conceptual misunderstandings, syntax, or more technical issues with the computer. In this research, I conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with students, lab assistants, and instructors to develop a holistic understanding of challenges and potential enhancements in computer science labs including beginning, intermediate, and systems programming courses, whether they take place face-to-face or remotely, to understand what effective support may look like. Using a thematic analysis of these interviews, I found that more awareness is needed around student impasses and more efficient procedures for providing feedback. These results support previous orchestration research findings. Additionally, I found that the lab classes are a way to build a sense of community by enhancing engagement and encouraging active participation, which expands our understanding of how to design computer science lab support beyond previous orchestration systems.