Work-in-progress: The impact of matlab marina - A virtual learning environment on student learning in a computing for engineers course

Programming is a skill that is a crucial component in most engineering analysis and design functions. Hence, all engineering curriculums include programming courses and many use MATLAB, a technical computing language. Teaching and training students to become competent and efficient programmers however, continues to be a challenge. Engineering faculty have implemented several pedagogical approaches to address this challenge, including the use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). This work presents an ongoing, preliminary investigative study of the incorporation of the VLE - MatLab Marina as a supplement in Computing for Engineers courses and its impact on student learning at two institutions: Armstrong Atlantic State University and Georgia Southern University.