Additional Post 8: Trends of Introductory Courses in Australian Universities

One of the more interesting research pieces that I found is a study on introductory programming classes in Australian Universities. From 2001 and 2003, censuses were given throughout the universities about the status of programming classes. The study covers the censuses from 2001, 2003, and 2010, with responses from students and faculty, ranging from how difficult languages were, and how environments were chosen and why.

Comparisons were very interesting to say in the least.

In terms or programming languages, Java had been consistent in being the top language, staying within about 36 % - 41% in popularity compared to the amount of courses. Python followed with 2nd Place while C rounded out the top 3. C# is growing to 4th compared to previous years, due to its introduction later on between 2003 - 2010.

However, some of the reasons as to why students chose these languages to take classes for included the following:

• Pedagogical Benefits
• Industry Relevance
• Degree Structure/Politics

It does play a supporting role into how one of my answers, Java, is relevant to answering my EQ. With its popularity with students and faculty, it shows that it is a relevant part of the software and programming industry, mobile applications included.

Source: Cooper, Graham, Raina Mason & Michael de Raadt. “Trends in Introductory Programming Courses in Australian Universities – Languages, Environments and Pedagogy” Proceedings of the Fourteenth Australasian Computing Education Conference 123 (2012): 33-42. Print.