CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Advances in technology have profoundly impacted how programming is taught and

learned. The traditional approaches, such as lectures and textbooks, have long been
the mainstay of teaching programming. With advanced teaching methodologies now
available—project-based learning, gamification, artificial intelligence-assisted coding,
and interactive platforms—the relevance of combining traditional with modern
approaches becomes more imperative.
ICT can be used in various ways where it helps both teachers and students to learn
about their respective subject areas. A technology- based teaching and learning offers
various interesting ways which includes educational videos, stimulation, storage of data,
the usage of databases, mind-mapping, guided discovery, brainstorming, music, World
Wide Web (www) that will make the learning process more fulfilling and meaningful
(Finger & Trinidad, 2002). On the other hand, students will benefit from ICT integration
where they are not bounded to the limited curriculum and resources, instead hands-on
activities in a technology-based course is designed to help them to stimulate their
understanding about the subject. It also helps teachers to design their lesson plans in
an effective, creative and interesting approach that would result in students’ active
learning. Previous researches proved that use of ICT in teaching will enhance the
learning process and maximizes the students’ abilities in active learning (Finger &
Trinidad, 2002; Jorge et al., 2003; Young, 2003; Jamieson-Procter et al., 2013).
This review of related literature discusses the effectiveness of integrating advanced and
traditional methods that can enhance the programming skills of ICT students. It portrays
studies related to conventionally instructed programming, effects of emerging
technologies in programming education, and benefits of a blended approach. This
review aims to identify best practices and gaps in current methodologies by analyzing
previous research, thus providing a foundation for developing an effective teaching
framework that balances innovation with established learning strategies. Traditional
programming education was mainly taught with structured lectures, textbook reading,
and guided problem-solving exercises. These have provided foundational knowledge in
the discipline, but engagement with real-life situations has always been a missing part
of them. According to Anindyaputri, Yuana, and Hatta (2020), conventional approaches
often fail to take into consideration other learning styles of students. In this manner,
students would receive different degrees of understanding and interest.
For instance, lectures are a structured way of presenting information, but they do not
always promote active participation from the students. Textbook-based learning,
although providing theoretical depth, can sometimes be too rigid and not adaptable to
the rapidly evolving nature of programming languages and technologies. The primary
advantage of traditional teaching is its ability to establish strong theoretical foundations;
however, it requires supplementary methods to ensure practical application and deeper
understanding.
As the aspect of technology within education advances, new ways and methodologies
in educating programming students are emerging, among which include adaptive
learning systems, gamification, AI-assisted coding, and interactive learning platforms.
Adaptive learning systems leverage technology to adapt the learning experience to a
student's strengths and weaknesses. Anindyaputri et al. (2020) considered that such
adaptive learning encompasses the ability to allow students to move through
programming education at a "self-pace" but receive personalized feedback and
resources at appropriate times. This can support weak learners who get troubled with
some of these concepts while enabling excellent learners to proceed without
unnecessary redundancy of materials.
Gamification introduces game elements in learning that engages students to motivate
them in achieving academic performance. There have been several research findings
on badge systems, leaderboards, and challenge integration within a programming
education course to yield retention and the application of problem-solving skills. In fact,
according to Hsiao et al. (2022), an experiment showed how gamification has influenced
students' performance through more participation with a competitive feature towards
improved coding competence.
In programming education, artificial intelligence has been increasingly integrated in
order to provide real-time assistance and intelligent feedback. For example, AI-powered
coding assistants are shown to improve learning efficiency by demonstrating how AI-
powered coding assistants, like automated debugging tools, code completion
suggestions, and intelligent tutors, can significantly enhance learning efficiency. Finally,
interactive platforms in the form of coding sandboxes and cloud-based IDEs enable the
hands-on practice of coding through experiential learning.
Blended learning has been extensively used in programming education, and numerous
studies have confirmed its effectiveness. Anjali (2024) stated the benefits of combining
online and traditional education. "Students who are self-motivated will enjoy online
learning more, but face-to-face is better for less motivated students," she said. The
integration of structured learning with flexible, technology-driven approaches fosters a
personalized and effective experience.
Hsiao et al. (2022) further elaborated on the effect of peer evaluation in programming
courses, revealing that collaborative assessment enhances students' critical thinking
and problem-solving skills. The study suggested that integration of peer evaluation with
traditional lectures and project-based learning creates a more holistic approach to
programming education.
Despite the many benefits of combining modern teaching methods with traditional ones,
there are some challenges. One of the biggest issues is the digital divide: students from
less privileged backgrounds might not have access to the technology needed.
Furthermore, adaptive learning and gamification increase engagement, but they need a
lot of initial investment and development time.
Anindyaputri et al. (2020) found that the proper training of educators on the
implementation of emerging technologies was another challenge. Many instructors will
still use old methods since they are not aware of the new tools and platforms. The only
way to deal with these challenges is through continuous professional development and
investment in educational technology infrastructure.
The integration of traditional and modern teaching methods in programming education
tends to strengthen engagements, comprehension, and applicability for the student in
question. Traditional approaches give a conceptual background, while new technologies
like adaptive learning, gamification, and AI-assisted coding are dynamic and interactive.
These factors aim to create an effective and flexible learning environment through a
mixed approach supported by literature reviews.
However, these innovative methodologies also come with their challenges: accessibility,
educator training, and costs of implementation, to name a few. Further research should,
therefore, aim at optimizing the frameworks of blended learning and finding strategies to
deal with barriers that may hinder the integration of technology into programming
education.
The integration of advanced and traditional methods in programming education offers a
comprehensive approach to enhancing the skills of ICT students. Traditional teaching
methods, such as lectures and textbooks, provide a strong theoretical foundation but
often lack engagement and adaptability to individual learning styles. Meanwhile, modern
approaches—such as adaptive learning, gamification, AI-assisted coding, and
interactive platforms—offer dynamic, personalized, and hands-on learning experiences
that improve student engagement, motivation, and problem-solving abilities.
Existing literature highlights the effectiveness of a blended learning approach, where
structured instruction is complemented by technology-driven methodologies. This
combination not only fosters deeper comprehension but also bridges the gap between
theory and real-world application. However, challenges such as the digital divide,
educator readiness, and resource constraints must be addressed to ensure the
successful integration of these methods.
The study explores how combining traditional and advanced teaching methods
enhances ICT students’ programming skills. Traditional methods like lectures and
textbooks provide a strong theoretical foundation, while advanced tools such as AI
coding platforms and interactive websites offer hands-on practice and real-time
feedback. Students find that this integration improves their understanding, problem-
solving skills, and engagement in learning. However, challenges include reliance on AI,
outdated traditional resources, and accessibility issues. Overall, blending both
approaches creates a balanced and effective learning experience that prepares
students for real-world programming challenges.
The study examines how Integrating traditional and advanced teaching methods
enhances ICT students’ programming skills and overall learning experience. Traditional
approaches, such as lectures and textbooks, help students build a solid theoretical
foundation, while advanced methods, including AI coding tools, interactive websites,
and coding games, provide hands-on experience and instant feedback. Many students
find this combination beneficial, as it helps them grasp complex concepts, apply
knowledge in real-world scenarios, and develop problem-solving skills. However, some
challenges arise, such as over-reliance on AI, difficulties in accessing advanced tools,
and outdated traditional resources. Despite these challenges, students generally
perceive the blended approach as more effective than relying on just one method. It
enhances engagement, supports different learning styles, and fosters adaptability,
ultimately preparing students for real-world programming tasks.
Overall, the review underscores the need for continuous research and investment in
educational technology to optimize blended learning frameworks. By addressing
existing barriers and refining instructional strategies, institutions can create an inclusive
and effective programming education environment that equips ICT students with the
necessary skills to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.