Empowering Self-Learning: Automated Assistance and Grading Mechanisms in Android Application Development

Abstract

The increasing dominance of Android devices has driven a surge in demand for skilled mobile programmers, prompting educational institutions to incorporate mobile programming courses into their curricula. This trend, combined with the rise of self-learning platforms, highlights the need for innovative educational technologies that enhance programming instruction. While automated assessment systems have improved the grading process in programming education, there remains a gap in mobile programming education, particularly due to the complexities of assessing Android applications. To address this, an innovative framework for Android application development is proposed, leveraging automated grading and assistance mechanisms. The framework employs a Test-Driven Development (TDD) approach, providing structured guidance and immediate feedback through automated testing tools including JUnit and Robolectric. A study involving 125 students revealed high engagement and success in basic topics, though challenges persisted in more complex areas, indicating a need for ongoing refinement and additional instructional support to elevate the learning experience in mobile application development.