The Module
The University of Dundee currently offers an online version of their first year, first semester Computing module (AC11001), to some direct entrant students. This is to try to reduce the learning curve associated with Object Orientated Programming. In addition to this module the university is hoping to Offer the equivalent of their first year, second semester module, AC12001: data structures and algorithms. This is the aim of JELLO.
Both modules are taught online and there are many similarities to how this course and the original Java online are delivered, but the overall style/method of teaching is completely different.
E-Learning and PBL
The hope for JELLO is that it will be taught using a Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach. This style of teaching has been used before to teach computer programming, but not in an E Learning Environment, so this will be new to both the Students and the Tutors.
PBL is an educational style which emphasises deep learning over surface learning, that is, values comprehension above simply knowing information, generally through the use of real world problems.
Module Content
The module itself will run for around 8 weeks, in this time the aim is to teach several fundamental data structures used in computing. Each week the student will be given a problem, in the form of a ‘real-world’ example. They will then be asked to work in a group to solve the problem the best they can. The hope is that by them researching themselves they will find the correct data structure to solve that particular problem and in the process gain a better understanding of how it all works.