Git in an Educational Context

Abstract

The version control system Git is commonly used in computer science education. Best practice use of Git is a relevant professional skill that students need to learn, but Git also is a natural choice for efficient collaboration on programming assignments. The learning context is however different from the professional context. In this paper we explore the implications Git has in an educational context using a questionnaire and result implies that Git influences some students’ experience with learning and group work. However, it also verifies previous findings that using Git is beneficial for student collaboration. Data from the use of Git can potentially inform students and educators about aspects of group work. A prototype mirroring tool using GitLab data has been developed to investigate the data’s potential and semi-structured interviews with students and teachers were conducted to evaluate and explore the tool. Results suggest that GitLab data is well-suited to provide students new insight into their work and educators with an efficient method for monitoring project work and student groups.