An Online Problem-Based Model For The Learning Of Java

To enhance student learning effectively, problem-based learning appears to be an efficient pedagogy. This paper proposes a model for Problem-Based Learning (PBL) via a commonly used communication infrastructure, the Internet. The model is called the Online Problem-Based Model of Learning Java. There are three components, namely, Communication Module, Visual Module, and Supporting Module. All components are posted onto a departmental Web site for student access. The Communication Module consists of a class chat room, a group chat room, a discussion forum, and e-mail facilities that are used to reduce the resources required to deliver the PBL activities and to provide a convenient collaboration environment. The Supporting Module contains an Object-Oriented Concept Module and a Problem Case Module. The Object-Oriented Concept Module equips students with basic Java language concepts, while the Problem Case Module requires students to use a PBL methodology to solve a given problem case. The Visual Module is designed with both a Top-Down methodology and a Problem-Solving approach (Whitten, Bentley, & Dittman, 2001).