On Benefits of Interactive Online Learning in Higher Distance Education: Case Study in the Context of Programming Education

摘要

The advent of the world-wide web has challenged traditional distance teaching to supplement custom textbooks, video broadcasting and limited personal interaction with computer-based learning technologies, multimedia systems and compter-mediated interaction between geographically dispersed students and teachers. In this paper, we report on a project that aims to identify potential for improving learning outcomes of distance learners on the subject object-oriented (OO) programming through the use of new media and online learning technologies. We performed a quantitative and qualitative study based on a competence model for OO modeling and comprehension with two groups of distance students: a control group using classical textbooks and an examination group using a standard learning environment enhanced by digital interactive tools and re-purposed learning materials. In addition, we tracked the behavior of the online study group and analyzed the log data with the help of SAS Business Analytics to detect conspicuous learning behaviors.