Using Technology to Teach a New Generation

Introductory programming courses attract students from diverse backgrounds in terms of ability, motivation and experience. This paper introduces two technological tools, Thonny and Runestone Academy, that can be used to enhance introductory courses. These tools enable instructors to track the progress of individual students. This allows for the early identification of students that are not keeping up with the course and allows for early intervention in such cases. Overall this leads to a better course with higher throughput and better student retention.