This paper concerns the critical role of separable user interface design in teaching object-oriented systems. M206 "Computing: An Object-oriented Approach" is a large-scale university-level introduction to software development designed from scratch for distance learning, using an objects-first approach with Smalltalk. The course is degree-level, counting as one sixth, and is being offered in the UK, Western Europe and Singapore. To address the needs of industry we have developed a radical syllabus that adheres to the principle of designing complex systems by separating view and model, and have developed a programming and learning environment to support these ideas. In the paper we examine how separable user interface architectures have guided our teaching of object technology and the design of powerful microworlds that are both usable and extendible by neophytes. The course and relevant teaching with software is outlined and the technical design and pedagogic use of the microworlds and GUI builder tool are described.
This paper describes how we extended a module structure of the Smalltalk LearningWorks framework to provide a programming environment designed for very large scale technology transfer. The 'module' is what we have termed the LearningBook, a set of classes and persistent objects, including an HTML browser, programming and visualization tools, and microworlds. The context for this development is a distance learning university course in object technology which is enrolling over 5,000 mature students per year -making it the largest such course in the world. While promoting a systems building approach, we have successfully added support for programming in the small and the needs of the isolated novice. Two guiding principles have been: (i) the environment and its modules fit into a consistent structure for personal management of learning and (ii) details of complex facilities, such as the class library, are progressively disclosed as knowledge and sophistication grow. The paper shows how these principles have guided the exploitation of LearningBook modules. To provide context, relevant academic background is given. Early informal feedback is reported and a project currently underway to observe in detail how thousands of learners use the programming environment is sketched.
This paper explores technical issues in the design of programming tools, development environments, simulations, code examples, user interface frameworks and pedagogies for a university-level course on object-oriented software development. The course, M206 'Computing: An Object-oriented Approach' has been specifically developed for distance learning, and is enrolling over 5,000 students per year (average age 37) in the UK, Europe and Singapore. The course introduces computing via an object-oriented approach. M206 is substantial in extent, representing one sixth of a degree. It embodies a practical, industryoriented view of computing and includes programming, analysis, design, and group working. Considerable effort has been invested in making the simplicity, consistency and power of object technology accessible to and capable of being applied by beginners. A diverse set of educational media, such as CD-ROMs, TV and the Web, have been deployed as learning resources. The paper describes the agenda for the course, its object-oriented pedagogy and our strategy for delivery. We explain measures taken to avoid misconceptions about objects, our analysis and design method, and the Smalltalk programming environment we have developed specifically for learners and which is crucial to our approach. The paper outlines how our adherence to the separation of view and domain model leads to technical innovations. Concluding remarks reflect on the benefits a reflexive strategy, both in education and training.
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