The ABC Workbook: Adapting Online Judge Systems for Introductory Programming Classes

Abstract

The online judge is an established method of automatic assessment for programming tasks. Recognizing the relative lack of problems and resources for introductory-level programming classes, we present the ABC Workbook project, a workbook containing a comparatively large selection of basic programming exercises, accompanied by an application written to check the exercises in the workbook. The contents of the workbook, an overview of the app, and strategies for integration in a class are discussed. The accessibility of the app for use in remote and developing areas is emphasized. The project is expected to improve introductory-level programming instruction, by facilitating immediate feedback and providing access to a bank of curated problems. Future work involves application in classrooms, as well as implementation of problem creation features.