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Learning Tools for JavaLearning Tools for Java
A Survey and Tutorial of Four Tools
Adam Murray
University of Ottawa
IntroductionIntroduction
l Programming– Dr Java
– BlueJ
lWeb-based– Blackboard
– WebCT
l No Evaluation Toolkit, sorry
An aside: Java as anAn aside: Java as anintroductory languageintroductory language
l Gartner Group, 1997– Taught in 78% of schools (C++ primary 95%)
– Mandatory in 50% (C++ 82%)
l Gartner Group, 2000– Taught in 87% of schools (C++ no longer primary,
87%)
– Mandatory in 56% (C++ 65%)
– 13% replaced Pascal with Java, 21% replaced C++ withJava
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Dr Java Dr Java (built using Dr Java)(built using Dr Java)
Two Panes (third for file mgt):• Interactions Pane
• Immediately see results of expressions & statement• Makes use of REPL• Alternate entry points (testing simpler, no main(),no debugger to learn)• Interactively create GUI
• Definitions Pane (code)• Brace matching, syntax highlighting, automaticindenting, pretty printing• Compiler integration
Diagnosis: Needs work, better support, more tuning
BlueJBlueJ
l Premise: Environments for OO are not OOenvironments; they do not reflect the paradigm
l BlueJ is object-oriented
l Designed for teaching
l Downsides:– Student must learn both java and protocols for BlueJ
– Does not scale to large systems (at all)
– Students must eventually move to Java text after all
BlueJ BlueJ supportssupports
l graphical class structure displayl graphical and textual editingl built-in editor, compiler, virtual machine,
debugger, etc.l easy-to-use interfacel ideal for beginners (but unsuitable for pros)l interactive object creationl interactive object callsl interactive application development and testing
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BlackboardBlackboard
l Public company building e-Educationproducts
l Blackboard Learning System
l Blackboard Community Portal System
l Blackboard Transaction System
Blackboard Learning SystemBlackboard Learning Systeml Measuring and improving student performancel Increasing instructor productivityl Enabling “Web-enhanced” classroom-based
teaching and learningl Delivering distance learningl Leveraging technology to enhance institutional
competitiveness, applicant selectivity andretention
l Integrates course and learning managementcapabilities with an organization’s studentinformation, security, and authentication protocols
l Managing digital assets and content
System UtilitiesSystem Utilities
l Content Management and Content Sharing
l Assessment Management
l Gradebook
l Collaboration and Communication
l Assignment and Portfolio Management
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Product ArchitectureProduct Architecture
Assessment ManagerAssessment Manager
Easier test generation and modification, more options and fewer clicks
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Virtual ClassroomVirtual Classroom
Grade BookGrade Book
A spreadsheet, nothing more, nothing less
WebCTWebCT
l E-Learning systems for higher education
l Similar to Blackboard, more widelyreceived
l Course Management
l Academic Enterprise Systems
l Services / Seminars
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Course Management SystemCourse Management System
l WebCourse Builder and Syllabus Tool
l Communication and Collaboration Tools
l Assessment Tools
l Selective Content Release
l Assignment Submission / Grade Entry
l Learning Gateway (Portal to many courses)
l Individualized Look (institution and coursebranding)
Course BuilderCourse Builder
Designer Map (Content Manager)Designer Map (Content Manager)
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QuizzesQuizzes
ConclusionsConclusions
ReferencesReferences
Allen, E., Cartwright, R., and Stoler, B. Dr Java: Alightweight pedagogic environment for Java,Proceedings of the 33rd SIGCSE technicalsymposium on Computer science education,Cincinnati, Kentucky, 2002. Kölling, M. and Rosenberg, J., BlueJ - The Hitch-Hikers Guide to Object Orientation, The MaerskMc-Kinney Moller Institute for ProductionTechnology, University of Southern Denmark,Technical Report 2002, No 2, ISSN No. 1601-4219.(PDF)