Enhancing computer learning activities using pair-programming techniques

Abstract

Transitioning computer science students from the university environment, where everything had to be done individually, into an environment that would require them to work in pairs might be difficult to most students. In order to make this transition a smoother one, students need to be familiarized with the concept of working together in pairs before they are introduced to the workforce. This motivated the introduction of pair programming as a teaching technique in our computer science labs. Pair programming was attempted in several universities worldwide with various degrees of success. In this paper, we investigate the benefits of practicing pair programming in education and in the industry. We also review some conducted experiments where pair programming was used as a teaching technique. We include the successes and impediments faced in these experiments. This paper revealed that pair programming as a teaching technique might have the ability to improve the quality and level of university students, and make their transition to the industry a smoother one.