Programming for the Internet and Experiential Learning: a New Approach Incorporating a Constructed World

Abstract

This paper reports on a novel approach taken by the author to the teaching of an Internet programming course targeted at final year diploma and second year degree students. The uniqueness of engineers and their identity is discussed, as is the self-constructed world and ways of knowing in which humankind operates. The novel approach to teaching a software-coding course, and this course's underlying philosophies of learning, the approach taken in class-contact time, and the methods of interaction with the students are presented, along with the conventional structure, quantitative measures, outline, and assessment of the course. The effects and observations of approaches employed are discussed, and the quantitative outputs achieved are presented alongside the unquantifiable impressions, comments and positive feedback.

Supporting students' motivation in college online courses

“…In contemplation of developing well-designed methods for engaging the learner, establishing ownership of learning, and developing a commitment to solve the problem, many research studies (e.g., Duffy & Kirkley, 2004;Moallem, 2003;Taylor, 2007) have investigated innovative pedagogical approaches in online environments and showed robust evidence of the effectiveness of pedagogical methods that are theoretically grounded in the constructivist framework.…”