Vijayakumar Shanmugasundaram

Knowledge building using visualizations

In this paper, we describe our efforts in knowledge building by creating visualizations. Our efforts include problem-based learning. We have identified a problem that the students have in learning OOP. To solve that problem we engage our students in the classroom using existing visualizations created by students of the earlier class, then we have the currents students improve the existing visualizations, or create new visualizations for future use in the same class. We describe the process of building knowledge, problem based learning, the details of the visualizations, our observations and the merits of this approach.

Agents help students in ProgrammingLand

ProgrammingLand is an online system for delivering content to introductory computer science courses as a substitute for a conventional textbook. Because the system has a large number of exhibits, sometimes students were not finding the material needed. The system was recently enhanced with several agents to direct students to pertinent locations. This paper discusses the capabilities and techniques of these agents.Preliminary data from the use of ProgrammingLand in two different introductory programming classes is discussed. This data suggests that the agents are successful in aiding students, especially those who are struggling.

ProgrammingLand: A visualization enhanced hypertextbook

ProgrammingLand is a visualization enhanced hypertextbook designed and used to teach introductory computer science courses. It is based upon a MOO with a Web browser interface. It functions as an online resource that may replace both the course textbook as well as a learning management system. The system may provide supplementary content material, such as a textbook, to an otherwise conventional course. It may also serve as the entire body of content in a distance education course. This content will generally be in the form of text, but may include graphics, Java applets and other types of interactive exercises to teach and reinforce this material. The system is organized into hierarchical lessons. It monitors each students progress through an instructor- chosen list of lessons. The instructor may choose assignments for the system to give a student upon completion of the lesson. Like a textbook, different instructors may choose to use different material or different features that are present in the system. ProgrammingLand has been used at several different institutions for the last few years and is freely available under the GNU license.