RoboProf and first year Programming Charlie Daly Problem Introduction to Computer Programming. (50 Students) Maths students (not motivated)

The problem of teaching programming Ideas for a solution Talk Outline WWW Quake RoboProf Demo Results

Problem of teaching Programming Learning to program is difficult.Learning to program is difficult. –Problem Solving –Program Design –Programming language concepts

First year Programming Start with programming language concepts (design and problem solving left til later)Start with programming language concepts (design and problem solving left til later) Use simple programs to build upUse simple programs to build up –confidence –knowledge of programming language –programming idioms

Advantages of the WWW User Friendly Easy to add graphics, sound, video Easy to extend (scalable) Automatically networked Free software (e.g. browsers) Links easily with and newsgroups

But... There is no clear direction.There is no clear direction. It does not focus attention. It is too easy to click away from difficult material.It does not focus attention. It is too easy to click away from difficult material. There is no feeling of progress.There is no feeling of progress.

Computer Games and Motivation Ideas from the computer games world (E.g. Quake, Doom)Ideas from the computer games world (E.g. Quake, Doom) –make progress visible –set small but possible challenges –Instant reward (fast feedback) (gratification) –Don't punish efforts: Allow repeat attempts.

WWW+Quake=RoboProf The game idea provides the structure:The game idea provides the structure: –conquer challenges to proceed –make progress visible. RoboProf generates each HTML page dynamically based on progress so far.RoboProf generates each HTML page dynamically based on progress so far.

The Challenges Programming problems and testsProgramming problems and tests Problem is to make them easy but useful with fast feedback.Problem is to make them easy but useful with fast feedback. –Remove any drudgery –fast feedback (automatically marked) –no punishment –easy (adapt an example)

Implementation Browser WWW server Running Java Servlet

RoboProf in action Student start with an overview which indicates progress.Student start with an overview which indicates progress. On-line tests ensure students they understand material before they can proceed.On-line tests ensure students they understand material before they can proceed. Tests are student friendly (self-paced, immediate feedback, no deadlines, no punishment).Tests are student friendly (self-paced, immediate feedback, no deadlines, no punishment).

Assessment Questions with randomised parameters. (i.e. each student gets a different question.)Questions with randomised parameters. (i.e. each student gets a different question.) Programming problems. Executed by a Java Applet on local machine. (Important for security reasons.)Programming problems. Executed by a Java Applet on local machine. (Important for security reasons.) Can be extended to other domains.Can be extended to other domains.

Results Students used the system continuously throughout semester.Students used the system continuously throughout semester. Students liked the feedback and the self- paced aspect. They didn't like the precise marking system.Students liked the feedback and the self- paced aspect. They didn't like the precise marking system. We needed more lab assistants. Students faced with a task were less shy and demanded attention.We needed more lab assistants. Students faced with a task were less shy and demanded attention.

Lecturer has full control Observe student progress.Observe student progress. Detect problems early (with whole class or individual students).Detect problems early (with whole class or individual students). Links easily with to aid feedback.Links easily with to aid feedback.

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