In the FLINK project ("Feedback-supported learning support in computer science"), the department of computer science at RPTU Kaiserslautern is developing new methods to provide students with targeted and individual support in programming during the introductory phase of their studies. The starting point is the challenge that first-year students start their studies with very different levels of prior knowledge - particularly in the area of programming.
The aim of the project is to provide better support for students through individualized feedback that promotes learning. Two approaches are combined to achieve this: Firstly, artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyze submissions on the established learning platform ExClaim. Based on extensive exercise data, feedback can be generated automatically that goes beyond simple feedback - for example on the cause of errors or the next learning steps.
Secondly, physiological markers (e.g. eye tracking) are used to identify obstacles in the learning process in real time. This makes it possible to display targeted offers of support while the task is being completed and thus solve learning blocks at an early stage.
FLINK not only promotes subject-specific skills, but also students' metacognitive strategy knowledge - i.e. knowledge about how to learn effectively. In the long term, the ExClaim platform is to be expanded so that it not only accompanies programming exercises, but can also be transferred to other content in STEM subjects.
The project is accompanied by a formative evaluation with students. The findings from the analysis flow directly into the optimization of the tasks and feedback. FLINK is an example of data-supported, personalized and scalable learning support in digital higher education.
The project is funded by the Foundation for Innovations in Higher Education as part of the "Freiraum 2025" initiative.