The Effectiveness of Online-Based Learning in Java Programming Language: Student Perceptions and Performance

Abstract

This research aims to explore the effectiveness of learning Java programming language using online-based learning compared to traditional-based learning towards undergraduate students in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Similar types of learning materials in the form of slides, notes and books are used with additional forms of assessments to substitute the final exam. The main difference is in the learning approaches which have been switched to online based via various platforms depending on the suitability and preference of the students. This research focuses on identifying and analyzing certain aspects from the students’ perceptions, which are the students’ (1) learning preference; (2) learning engagement; (3) learning assessment, and in terms of their overall (4) satisfaction towards the learning process. This research uses a quantitative approach through the questionnaire as the survey instrument, involving 31 students. The data is analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation). Findings show that despite using online-based learning, 48.39% obtained marks above 80% in Lab Test 2, which is doubled compared to the previous test, Lab Test 1, 25.81%. This indicates that while students prefer traditional-based learning, they are able to perform better through online-based learning.