ABSTRACT:
Learning object-oriented design and programming is a
challenging task for many beginning students.
The DesignFirst-ITS (intelligent tutoring system) supports a novel curriculum
for CS1 courses, subsuming an "objects first" approach into lessons
that also introduce object-oriented analysis and design, using elements of UML
before implementing any code.
The ITS coordinates student learning in two different
client
programs: web-based multimedia courseware and a UML plug-in
for the Eclipse IDE, each of which post student interactions
to a server-based databases.
Also on the server, the Expert Evaluator analyzes student
work in the IDE, comparing novice with expert solutions.
The Student Model combines knowledge from the expert
evaluator and the multimedia in "Atomic" Bayesian networks that guarantee
real time analysis of students' current and developing understanding of object-oriented
concepts as well as problem-solving strategies. Finally, the Pedagogical Advisor,
guided by updates from the student model as well as a learning styles inventory,
interacts with the learner by selecting from several possible tutorial strategies.
Experimental evidence with simulated and real students demonstrate the effectiveness
of components and the overall tutoring system.
SPEAKER BIO:
Glenn D. Blank, Associate Professor of Computer Science
at Lehigh University, develops curricula and tools designed
to increase accessibility into computer science. The
CIMEL (Constructive Inquiry-Based Multimedia E-Learning)
project created interactive multimedia courseware, including
a CS1 course covering the breadth of computer science
and an "objects first"
approach to Java. The DesignFirst-ITS project is developing an tutoring
system in support of a "design first" approach to learning software
development. Dr. Blank is also the Principal Investigator of two NSF-sponsored
outreach projects.
The
Launch-IT project www.lehigh.edu/launchit,
supported by the ITEST program, seeks to widen the pipeline
of at-risk middle and high school students pursuing college
and careers in information technology, with summer and
weekend programs including programming remotely controlled
mobile robots in a simulated Martian landscape, creating
a web-based music juke box Macromedia Flash, and
enhancing a "design-first" approach to
learning Java, for AP credit.
The LV STEM project www.lehigh.edu/stem,
supported by the GK-12 program, seeks to widen the pipeline
of PhDs who are advocates for K-12 education and of K-16
students who can communicate complex concepts of STEM
disciplines through writing and multimedia.
With support form the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology
Alliance (PITA), related projects are developing a Martian
landscape with realistic remotely controlled robots in
the basement of an inner city middle school and tutoring
for students learning math concepts with the web-based "24" game. |
