Improving the Quality of Technology-Enhanced Learning for Computer Programming Courses

Abstract

Abstract-Teaching computing courses is a major challenge for the majority of lecturers in Libyan higher learning institutions. These courses contain numerous abstract concepts that cannot be easily explained using traditional educational methods. This paper describes the rationale, design, development and implementation stages of an e-learning package (including multimedia resources such as simulations, animations, and videos) using the ASSURE model. This training package can be used by students before they attend practical computer lab sessions, preparing them by developing technical skills and applying concepts and theories presented in lecture through supplementary study and exercises. I. INTRODUCTIONIn the early 1990s, the Department of Computer Learning was established at the University of Omar Al-Mukhtar to provide a BSc degree in Software Engineering and Computer Science [1]. The course material is delivered through lectures (school-based learning, or SBL) and reinforced in the lab sessions (laboratory-based learning, or LBL). The SBL is based on a teacher-centered approach where experienced lecturers provide theoretical knowledge and information by using traditional facilities (e.g. blackboard and chalk) and the students receive printed lecture notes and read textbooks .Then the students attend LBL sessions in a computer lab based on a student-centered approach; the students have the opportunity to receive hands-on training for the techniques presented in the lectures by using the technologies and equipment existent in the computer labs. Recently, the academic staff has observed that students displayed a lack of practical experience and understanding of the theoretical subjects essential to the success of lab sessions. Internal review reports show about a variety of issues concerning the learning processes and traditional teaching methods, limited access to IT, a lack of development processes, poor curriculum review, and a limited link between the practical tasks and theoretical content.Due to large class sizes, especially at the undergraduate level, the vast majority of the Libyan higher education institutions face significant challenges in adequately assessing student learning and providing feedback to students. Additionally, there are shortages of proper teaching facilities and of science educators who are skilled enough to properly utilize course materials, practical exercises, and demonstrations. Some universities have opted to increase the number of faculty members, or to alleviate some of the strain by increasing the number of students who use one computer, but the majority of students still display a lack of practical experience and understanding of theoretical subjects during the computer lab sessions.This paper describes the usage of a user-centered approach for the design, development, and implementation of an e-learning package (including multimedia resources such as simulations, animations, videos) and ASSURE model for the instructional planning process. ASSURE Model is an instructional guid...

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