Flipping the Script: Transitioning a Flipped and Team-Based CS1 Course to Online Learning During a Pandemic
Hrafn Loftsson, Asrun Matthiasdottir
Progress in Machines and Systems, Vol. 14, No. 2, 2025.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6025/pms/2025/14/2/62-76
Link: https://www.dline.info/pms/fulltext/v14n2/pmsv14n2_2.pdf
Abstract:
This paper presents an experience report on transitioning a large CS1 course at Reykjavik University from face-to-face to online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The course, already based on a Flipped Classroom (FC) and Team Based Learning (TBL) model, was moved to a synchronous online format using Zoom, Mimir, Piazza, and Canvas. Students prepared before class by watching videos and reading materials, then engaged in live sessions with quizzes and team programming tasks in Zoom breakout rooms. Surveys showed that student satisfaction remained high and comparable to the previous in-person year, with 74.1% of students pleased with the course. Exam performance showed no significant difference between 2019 and 2020, indicating that online delivery did not negatively impact learning outcomes. While some challenges were noted such as reduced peer interaction and lower Piazza usage the study concludes that FC and TBL can be effectively implemented online. The authors suggest that future flexibility be allowed, enabling students to choose between online and in person formats.