Passive or active learning: the challenges of teaching distributed computing using Raspberry Pi clusters to open distance university students

Parallel and distributed computing (PDC) is now considered a threshold concept for computing, embedded in curricula across the globe. While costs of traditional clusters have made developing practical activities challenging, rise low-cost computers, particularly Raspberry Pi, has led to an exploration how PDC can be taught students using Pi clusters. Building on this work, we report our experiences from series use with open distance university students. Based survey results 484 students, argue that work demonstrates benefits remote teaching concepts, as well engaging We conclude discussion two key challenges: supporting active learning through student-led programming clusters, lower-performing at distance.