The application of computer simulation in programming instruction
Yen Ching-zon
National Taipei University of Education
Wu Ping-huang
Tungnan University
Lin Ching-fan
De Lin Institute of Technology
Taipei, Taiwan
The purpose of this research is to construct a VB programming curriculum with a simulation technique, and to assess the attitudes of the participants to this experimental curriculum. In addition to quantitative analysis, this quasi-experimental research also employed a qualitative approach to aid the interpretation of the quantitative data.
The sample for the study comprised 34 students from NTUE's department of Mathematics and Information Education who were divided into an experimental and control group according to their pre-test scores. The instruments used in the study were a VB-programming test and a learning attitude questionnaire. The curriculum pedagogy involves students reading experimental materials and learning by themselves.
The major findings of this research, which analysed performance and attitude to learning, were as follows:
Though the difference in performance was not significant, the experimental group got higher scores than the control group, which shows that students can learn data sorting principles and programming easily through a simulation technique.
The simulation approach had the most beneficial effects on promoting students' data sorting ability -- followed in turn by sorting processes, sorting principles and looping concepts -- which indicates that the teaching method using simulation gave students a deep learning image, which they can use to solve programming tasks in programming operating examinations.
The students in the experimental group commented favourably on the input device, mockup, content and operating procedures. They considered that simulation can definitely analyse programming code and help them understand the concepts of data-sorting programming.
They considered the content of the experimental curriculum met their needs and gave them more confidence in learning VB. However, they felt that the experimental curriculum should pay attention to the advanced organizers in the programming course, so that they can review their learning experience adequately as a bridge to constructing a new knowledge framework.