Having the Lecturer Explain as I Code: Exploring the Use of Guru Videos for Teaching Programming at a Private South African Higher Education Institution
摘要
The adoption of video content as a teaching tool continues to gain traction within the field of programming where complex concepts often require clear, structured and accessible explanations that may be revisited in the future. This paper explores an initiative within a private higher education institution involving the creation and dissemination of guru videos, which are short instructional videos designed to summarize module content and provide code-along with explanations. These guru videos are organized into playlists and uploaded onto the Computer Science Faculty’s YouTube channel, offering students resource for revisiting and reinforcing module concepts that lives far beyond a single programming module. This study explores students’ perceptions and experience of guru videos by following a case study approach supported by a focus group discussion. This study sought to understand how students interact with these resources, including their perceived utility, integration into study practices, and sharing patterns. Furthermore, the study investigated how guru videos contribute to personalized learning and inclusivity, particularly within programming modules that require practical, hands-on learning. The study found that when designed and implemented purposefully, guru videos can provide opportunities for active and constructive engagement. Findings also highlight the need for improved accessibility and careful curation to maximize the potential of these resources. The findings of this paper contribute to the discourse on enhancing teaching and learning in programming education using video content. Recommendations are provided for the practical implementation of integrating guru videos as a teaching tool to enhance engagement and attainment of learning outcomes.