Team awarded grant for case study of chatbots that help teach coding

In the digital era, computer programming skills have become fundamental. However, many programming languages and their documentation are predominantly in English, a disadvantage for non-native English speakers learning to code.

Advance HE, a non-profit organisation based in the UK, recently awarded a Global Impact Grant to a team from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). The team will create a case study about their chatbot tool that supports ESL (English as a Second Language) students in learning programming.

Over the last two years, the team developed a chatbot-powered tool called VisualCodeChat that helps students visualise the steps of an algorithm through animated demonstrations. The chatbot enables students to switch between English, Chinese, Indonesian, and Korean languages.

VisualCodeChat visualises the steps of the selection sort algorithm

In addition, it provides exercises that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, says Dr Erick Purwanto of XJTLU’s School of Advanced Technology, the team’s leader. The exercises focus on real-world challenges related to environmental sustainability. For example, one exercise requires students to develop an algorithm for organising produce based on freshness, aiming to optimise distribution to grocery stores and reduce food waste.

VisualCodeChat assists a learner in understanding Bubble Sort algorithm

He says the funding will enable the team to collaborate with international educators and expand the tool’s capabilities to support other disciplines.

Positive feedback 

The team conducted pilot studies in programming modules at XJTLU and at an international partner high school. More than 100 students and four teachers participated.

One of the teachers commended the tool’s ability to generate new exercises instantly and illustrate the steps of algorithms.

“The tool greatly enhances my explanations,” the teacher said.

In addition, Dr Purwanto says students could use the tool effectively with ease.

“An Indonesian university student praised the clarity of the Indonesian responses, suggesting it could significantly benefit non-native English speakers learning programming,” he says. “Also, several high school students completed exercises even before instructions were provided, indicating the high usability of our tool.”