Abstract:

This paper describes the implications and the results of a study into the effectiveness of using Distributed Pair Programming (DPP) on college students’ performance, teamwork skills and satisfaction with online collaborative learning. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies based on a quasi-experimental design were used with the participants of the study who were divided into two groups. Sixty eight sophomore Computer Science and Management Information System students at Al-Jubail University College enrolled in programming course represented the study sample. For measuring the study dependent variables; four instruments were developed by the authors in light of relevant previous studies which were administrated to the participants prior and post the treatment. The findings suggested that DPP affect the students’ teamwork skills and satisfaction with online collaborative learning compared to Distributed Non-Pair Programming (DNPP). One factor of the students’ performance was affected by the treatment, which was time taken to create the program. Future implications and suggestions for researches in distributed programming practices and their implications into programming courses are proposed.

Keywords:

Distributed Pair Programming, Distributed Non-Pair Programming, Students Satisfaction with Online Collaborative learning, Teamwork Skills.