Problem based learning in introduction to programming courses
Andrey Soares · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2011
With the decrease of student enrollment in Computer Science and Information Systems programs, we need to change the way we deliver first-year computer programming curricula. Introductory courses have the potential to attract and to retain students. This session will describe the use of Problem Based Learning (PBL) and game design in an introduction to programming course. The course is divided into three parts with approximately five weeks each: (1) introduction to Programming, (2) introduction to Object-Oriented programming and Graphical Unit Interface (GUI) programming, and (3) the final project, which includes the design and implementation of a computer game. The computer language used in the course is JAVA. The course is designed with Problem Base Learning to incentive students' creativity and learning. The course provides the students with opportunities to engage in problem solving, team discussions, collaborative work, and critical thinking. In addition, the students are challenged to identify and find solutions to their programming problems. This approach should help to prepare students to enter in a field that is rapidly changing, and where they will be required to constantly learn new things and to take initiative. The session will present some samples of class assignments and final projects as well as a summary of the survey conducted with students enrolled in the course.