Introduction to OO programming in Java using a graphics library and

learning objects

Mr Peter ChalkLondon Metropolitan University

Aim & method• To improve the first year programming

module (that had high failure rate)• To establish a research-based project team• Including independent evaluator and

multimedia learning object developers• Lecturers created– graphics library of classes/objects for visual

feedback (Logo-like)– continuous assessment & VLE support

Module ‘home page’ (on OER Project web site)

Features‘Weekly’ (?) task guides

‘Lecture’ slidesLearning aids (RLOs)

‘Weekly’ assessed (?) exercisesReferences (including JCreator, free IDE & ObjectWorld,

graphical objects library)

• http://193.61.130.114/~simon/oop/index.html

‘Hello world’ using ObjectWorld in JCreator (Guide)

Output from ‘Hello World’

Learning aid – integrated support for visual approach

Weekly exercises - example

• Exercises (Try as many as you can manage! Use a timer delay to watch effects)

• 1. Create one red filled oval object. Make it a circle shape by giving it height and width 20. Use a loop to move this object from the top left hand corner of the output window to the bottom left hand corner.

Learning aids include self-assessment quiz (+feedback)

Recent addition – reflective writing RLO

Assessment choices

• Weekly exercises• Self-assessment• Multiple choice quizzes for formative, self and

summative assessment (large question bank)• Regular small program assignments• Large final programming assignment• Now includes reflective report

Results of research

• ‘The blended learning environment resulted in marked improvements in pass rates and positive student evaluations. Evidence from increased student attendance and consistently high levels of usage of the online resources supports the argument of Aycock et al. (2002) that the hybrid course, another name for a blended environment, “increases student engagement”.’ (Boyle et al, 2003)

By the way, it’s in Chinese too...

References

• Boyle, T, Bradley, C, Chalk, P, Jones, R & Pickard, P 'Using blended learning to improve student success rates in learning to program', Journal of Educational Media Vol. 28, Nos. 2 & 3, October 2003, pp165-178.