Breaking the Textbook Paradigm in Computing Education

This paper is a research article that examines the transition from traditional textbooks to interactive learning experiences in computing education. It outlines the decline in engagement with conventional textbooks among post-secondary students and highlights the advantages of digital learning platforms that incorporate interactive elements. The research utilizes data from a computing education platform to analyze the relationship between student engagement and learning outcomes, emphasizing that increased active coding time correlates with improved performance. The paper discusses various active learning strategies, such as peer instruction and pair programming, which enhance student engagement and retention. Furthermore, it addresses the barriers posed by traditional textbooks, including cost and length, and advocates for more concise and interactive educational materials. The findings suggest that reducing text-heavy resources in favor of interactive content can significantly improve learning gains and accessibility for students, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds. Overall, the paper argues for a shift towards more engaging and evidence-based learning experiences in computing education.