Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter V
Analysis of Learner
Performance on a Tutoring
System for Java
Henry H. Emurian
University of Maryland-Baltimore County, USA
Jingli Wang
University of Maryland-Baltimore County, USA
Ashley G. Durham
1
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), USA
ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a teaching methodology, programmed instruction, that provides a
series of interactive and cumulative learning experiences that teach a student how to
understand and write a simple Java Applet. Fine-grain performance records of three
students' interactions with the tutoring system show the individual patterns of skill
acquisition and retention over five successive observational occasions. The tutoring
system is also used as the first technical exercise in a course entitled “Graphical User
Interface Systems Using Java.” Performance and self-reported ratings of programming
confidence by 17 graduate students show the benefit of programmed instruction to generate
a history of competency and confidence in all students. The positive initial experience
prepares and motivates information systems students for the presentation and mastery of
advanced programming techniques.
