Build peer support network for CS2 students

Introductory computer science courses (i.e., CS1 and CS2) have seen high dropout and failure rates, and such common phenomenon still exists nationwide. Studies have shown that students with effective peer support networks have a better chance to success in CS1 and CS2. Unfortunately, it is hard for most students, especially lower division students, to form their own peer support networks. To help students build their peer support networks, instructors of CS1 and CS2 have to, with the help of pedagogical tools, provide a friendly learning environment to foster the interactions among students inside and outside of the classroom. This paper discusses the usage of PeerSpace, an integrated peer collaborative learning environment to help instructors achieve such goal. Comparative studies were conducted to measure the effectiveness of PeerSpace in helping students build their own peer support networks; and preliminary results are positive.