Anthony Estey
ABSTRACT
Student pass rates in CS1 courses are alarmingly low. Recent studies suggest that student confidence correlates with learning and success in CS1. We present BitFit, an ungraded practice tool used in the last three offerings of our CS1 course. BitFit was designed to enable a better learning environment by supporting student confidence and providing instructors with comprehensive data sets to analyze student progress. A preliminary study explores whether students will use a tool that does not contribute to their course credit, and why students choose not to use such a tool. Early analysis highlights that students feel BitFit increases their confidence and sense of self-efficacy.
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