In a problem-based learning (PBL) environment, students work in groups on real-life problems and have the opportunity to determine for themselves what they need to learn in the relevant subject area(s). A common feature of problem-based learning is to provide students with a range of resources that assist them in solving the problems. This paper attempts to classify resources according to the educational functions and activities for which they will be used. It also discusses communication patterns, assessment, and evaluation with respect to problem-based learning. Finally, it presents two case studies, one that illustrates a progression of problem development within the PBL environment and one that describes a practical application of PBL, with appropriate use of resources, for a first-year course in Java.

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In a problem-based learning (PBL) environment, students work in groups on real-life problems and have the opportunity to determine for themselves what they need to learn in the relevant subject area(s). A common feature of problem-based learning is to provide students with a range of resources that assist them in solving the problems. This paper attempts to classify resources according to the educational functions and activities for which they will be used. It also discusses communication patterns, assessment, and evaluation with respect to problem-based learning. Finally, it presents two case studies, one that illustrates a progression of problem development within the PBL environment and one that describes a practical application of PBL, with appropriate use of resources, for a first-year course in Java.

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This paper discusses a strategy for developing shared teaching resources to support Java programming subjects taught using a variety of educational approaches (lectures and tutorials, problembased learning, distance education) with differing computing focii (computer science, commercial computing, network computing).The strategy is a group process involving six distinct stages: selecting the topic areas considered integral to all subjects for which the resources will be used; defining the details and identifying areas / concepts of a topic; determining basic, intermediate and advanced levels of information; determining appropriate educational techniques that support the desired learning objectives for the concept; investigating existing resources and building new resources, both with and without the use of computer technology.