Tools of the Trade: GitHub and CodeGrade for Industry Integration
Angela integrates GitHub and CodeGrade to ensure students are prepared for real-world coding environments. GitHub Classroom allows students to access starter code and push their repositories into CodeGrade for grading and feedback. This seamless integration streamlines the process, with CodeGrade automatically running tests like Valgrind and Clang Tidy, which provide valuable feedback on code quality. “It’s a really nice seamless integration that I can’t say enough about. It’s really great. I think it’s easy to overlook it,” Angela notes about the GitHub integration.
The ability to run Clang Tidy tests is particularly valuable, highlighting areas for improvement in code style and structure. With these tools, Angela helps students understand that coding is an ongoing process of refinement. While passing these tests isn’t required for grading, students can earn extra credit, motivating them to refine their code.
Angela also incorporates quizzes that combine multiple-choice questions and coding challenges. These quizzes provide a controlled environment for students to test their understanding and receive instant feedback in the CodeGrade editor, helping them learn from mistakes immediately. The automatic feedback also makes it clear where students need to improve: “It’s easy to see what they need to do to move forward.”
Engaging Students: Creativity, Autonomy, and Feedback
Angela keeps students engaged by injecting creativity into assignments, often drawing inspiration from her own life. This personal touch makes the work feel more relevant and exciting. Additionally, students are given the autonomy to choose from a selection of project options, boosting their motivation and personal investment.
Quick, consistent feedback plays a key role in student engagement. “I also find students get more engaged when they get quicker feedback,” Angela explains. The faster turnaround on quizzes and assignments allows students to track their progress in real-time, helping them stay motivated.
Without tools, grading could take up to eight hours per assignment. Thanks to automated grading and rapid feedback, Angela can provide quicker responses, making the learning process smoother and more encouraging. Read more about her experience here!
Conclusion
Angela Venable’s Data Structures course at Ivy Tech is a prime example of how tech education can evolve to meet industry needs. Through industry tools, creative assignments, and rapid feedback, Angela’s approach helps students develop the skills they need to succeed. The integration of GitHub and CodeGrade makes the course dynamic and engaging, preparing students for the challenges of the tech world.
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