How to learn introductory programming over Web

In Finland, the Ministry of Education is funding a three-year project to establish the Virtual University of Finland, during years 2001-2003. One of the particular goals in the project is to develop new methods for science education. The three universities in eastern Finland, University of Joensuu, University of Kuopio, and Lappeenranta University of Technology, work jointly in the virtual university project. One of the concrete objectives is to create a web-based learning environment in introductory Computer Science, intended for high schools students. From the research perspective of educational technology and Computer Science education, this task is particularly challenging. We have aimed at designing a solid model for building the environment.