Enhancing learning with CD/WEB tutorials: conference workshop
Greg Pleva · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2006
We are all aware of the importance of getting our programming students up to speed, as in well-grounded, familiar and comfortable with, the basics of programming syntax and usage. After years of trying to do so, I have come to the conclusion that not only do students need repetition and references to reading, they also find it extremely helpful to see demonstrations of programming fundamentals in action. We can accomplish this in class with computers connected to overheads displaying the IDE of Visual Studio.net or any of a multitude of Java environments or by use of the whiteboard and handwritten demonstrations-to-be-copied-and-remembered. Unfortunately, once the student leaves class, the demonstration and the understanding that goes with it begins to erode and fade away. When it comes time for them to re-create code, they cannot remember exactly how nor can they follow their notes and there is no ready reference for them to turn to. What is needed is the ability for the student to refresh that understanding acquired earlier in a like manner to the way they had seen it before. By being exposed to a similar or the same technique or style of presentation as previously encountered, students have a better chance of getting an understanding this time. This tutorial/workshop presents a way to do just that, and more.