This paper documents a study that was conducted with regard to the use of robotics as an innovati... more This paper documents a study that was conducted with regard to the use of robotics as an innovative pedagogical tool for computer programming. The robotics in question relate to the Lego Mindstorms robots that were introduced as a means to develop further learners' problem-solving skills and motivate learners to have fun while learning. Vygotsky's philosophy regarding the Zone of Proximal Development supports the notion of Lego Mindstorms robots as a pedagogical tool. A mixed methods study was conducted and the aim of the project was twofold. Firstly, to determine whether robots reinforce fundamental computer programming concepts that were taught in the classroom environment. Secondly, to determine whether robots provide motivation and interest in computer programming. The issues regarding the pedagogical approach are discussed and feedback from learners is analysed. The results are positive and encouraging.
Research world-wide indicates that computer programming is a difficult subject to teach and learn... more Research world-wide indicates that computer programming is a difficult subject to teach and learners find such modules challenging. The result is that attrition rates are high. South Africa experiences similar problems. These problems are exacerbated by learners entering tertiary institutions under-prepared. Such institutions are under much pressure to transform learners’ academic capabilities. Transformation can be realised through alternative pedagogical approaches as it is well known that these approaches can influence learning outcomes in a positive manner. This paper documents an innovative pedagogical approach to teach computer programming through the use of robotics. Lego Mindstorms robots has been used to further develop learners’ problem solving skills as well as encourage learners to “think out of the box”. The pedagogical approach supports Vygotsky’s philosophy regarding the Zone of Proximal Development. A case study was conducted and learners were expected to complete di...
Information Technology is an increasing part of our everyday lives, and it is not uncommon to see... more Information Technology is an increasing part of our everyday lives, and it is not uncommon to see students at a university walking around with smartphones, iPad’s and laptops. These days’, students are perceived to be digitally literate when starting their first year of studies. This, however, may not necessarily be true. This study is twofold: firstly, we examine the digital literacy level of the first year students at a South African university who are enrolled for a computer programming course; and secondly, we determine whether these students’ digital literacy level has an impact on their programming ability. A quantitative approach was taken with a closed ended questionnaire used to collect data. The data that were collected were (a) analysed according to the students’ access to and use of technology and (b) brought in relation to the students’ final mark for their computer programming module. The results showed that there was a significant but weak positive correlation between...
The twenty-first century has been an era of technological advances that has surpassed previous de... more The twenty-first century has been an era of technological advances that has surpassed previous decades. This is largely due to the level of innovation in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation. However, learners are often reluctant to choose computer programming (coding) as a subject due to its perceived difficulty. Nevertheless, it is also well known that learners who are introduced to computer programming at a young age become the computer science university graduates of tomorrow. Learners’ hesitancy towards computer programming is due to the complex, abstract nature of the discipline. To this end, innovative tools are proving useful for learners to overcome such barriers. This chapter provides effective strategies to teach the fundamental concepts of computer programming using robotics, specifically Lego Mindstorms robots. The approach taken is hands-on, student-centred and visual. Learners develop coding solutions through designing and coding real-world problems, visually correcting their imprecisions. This chapter includes learning activities and practical examples from case studies. The inequality of women in the workplace, especially women in IT, is also addressed. A discussion around effective approaches to teaching girls’ coding is included as research indicates that girls’ learning requirements for coding are different to those of boys.
Service-oriented architectures support distributed heterogeneous environments where business tran... more Service-oriented architectures support distributed heterogeneous environments where business transactions occur among loosely connected services. Ensuring a secure infrastructure for this environment is challenging. There are currently various approaches to addressing information security, each with its own set of benefits and difficulties. Additionally, organisations can adopt vendor-based information security frameworks to assist them in implementing adequate information security controls. Unfortunately, there is no standard information security framework that has been adopted for service-oriented architectures. This paper analyses the information security challenges faced by service-oriented architectures. Information security components for a service-oriented architecture environment are proposed. These components were developed collectively from serviceoriented architecture design principles, the ISO/IEC 27002:2005 standard, and other service-oriented architecture governance frameworks. The information security framework can assist organisations in determining information security controls for service-oriented architectures, aligned to current ISO/IEC 27002:2005 standards.
Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a design paradigm that enables applications to be built fr... more Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a design paradigm that enables applications to be built from business processes. Services, service-orientation and related technology give organisations the ability to gain a competitive edge. This however, does not come without ...
Metacognition refers to the development and application of learning strategies and the ability to... more Metacognition refers to the development and application of learning strategies and the ability to plan, control and monitor learning. Research indicates that students’ metacognitive awareness and skills can influence their academic success. This study determined the extent to which students learning a computer programming module were meta-cognitively aware. The Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) developed by Schraw and Dennison (1994) was used. The MAI correlates closely to academic success and can therefore assist in identifying those students that require further academic assistance and support. The preliminary results indicate that students overestimate their academic abilities. Additionally, a metacognitive strategy intervention was developed to improve students’ metacognitive skills. The intervention was classroom oriented, where explicit teaching of metacognition strategies and metacognition regulation was deliberated with students. The intervention also included an adapt...
International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education
Gamification is used in various disciplines to elucidate complex problems. These disciplines are ... more Gamification is used in various disciplines to elucidate complex problems. These disciplines are typically the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. It is not known whether gamification can be used to teach research methodology. MinecraftEDU was used to create games to explain the various concepts within research methodology. The purpose was to force students to engage with the theory and literature and create a game based on their insights. An analysis of the students’ feedback indicates that they preferred this method to more traditional lectures. Although they experienced initial problems with the MinecraftEDU environment, the overall experience was perceived as positive. The results indicate that gamification can be used to teach research methodology, but more research is needed to determine how game elements can be incorporated into a research methodology game.
Abstract—Service-oriented architectures support distributed heterogeneous environments where busi... more Abstract—Service-oriented architectures support distributed heterogeneous environments where business transactions occur among loosely connected services. Ensuring a secure infrastructure for this environment is challenging. There are currently various approaches to addressing information security, each with its own set of benefits and difficulties. Additionally, organisations can adopt vendor-based information security frameworks to assist them in implementing adequate information security controls.
The objective of computer programming is that students learn how to develop solutions in computer... more The objective of computer programming is that students learn how to develop solutions in computer programing languages, such as Java. However, to develop such solutions students need to be able to solve problems. Therefore, problem solving is a critical skill that needs to be acquired. As problem solving and computer programming is difficult, universities worldwide make use of interactive tools, such as Scratch, Alice and Greenfoot to provide a user-friendly, visual and comfortable computer programming environment. The aim of such tools is for students to develop computer programming concepts informally. However, if students are to become competent computer programmers, they must transfer the programming concepts learnt from such tools, to formalised computer programming languages. This paper examines the extent to which mediated transfer is an effective pedagogy to transition students. The results indicate that the transition may not be as seamless as was first expected.
Computer programming is a subject that many students find challenging to learn. In spite of much ... more Computer programming is a subject that many students find challenging to learn. In spite of much research concerning such challenges, there is still uncertainty regarding which pedagogical approaches are best suited to teaching-and-learning novice students' computer programming. However, research indicates that "learning on the edge of what we know" does provide an opportunity for novice students to link a learnt concept to other unfamiliar yet similar concepts. In other words, learning is transferred from one context to another when the contexts are closely related, also known as mediated transfer. However, in spite of utilizing such techniques learning is also a function of time, not ability, and given time it is possible for novice students to overcome barriers related to computer programming. This paper illustrates that given time and providing students with an opportunity to learn on the edge of what they know, novice students are able to learn the fundamental concepts of computer programming.
This paper documents a study that was conducted with regard to the use of robotics as an innovati... more This paper documents a study that was conducted with regard to the use of robotics as an innovative pedagogical tool for computer programming. The robotics in question relate to the Lego Mindstorms robots that were introduced as a means to develop further learners' problem-solving skills and motivate learners to have fun while learning. Vygotsky's philosophy regarding the Zone of Proximal Development supports the notion of Lego Mindstorms robots as a pedagogical tool. A mixed methods study was conducted and the aim of the project was twofold. Firstly, to determine whether robots reinforce fundamental computer programming concepts that were taught in the classroom environment. Secondly, to determine whether robots provide motivation and interest in computer programming. The issues regarding the pedagogical approach are discussed and feedback from learners is analysed. The results are positive and encouraging.
Research world-wide indicates that computer programming is a difficult subject to teach and learn... more Research world-wide indicates that computer programming is a difficult subject to teach and learners find such modules challenging. The result is that attrition rates are high. South Africa experiences similar problems. These problems are exacerbated by learners entering tertiary institutions under-prepared. Such institutions are under much pressure to transform learners’ academic capabilities. Transformation can be realised through alternative pedagogical approaches as it is well known that these approaches can influence learning outcomes in a positive manner. This paper documents an innovative pedagogical approach to teach computer programming through the use of robotics. Lego Mindstorms robots has been used to further develop learners’ problem solving skills as well as encourage learners to “think out of the box”. The pedagogical approach supports Vygotsky’s philosophy regarding the Zone of Proximal Development. A case study was conducted and learners were expected to complete di...
Information Technology is an increasing part of our everyday lives, and it is not uncommon to see... more Information Technology is an increasing part of our everyday lives, and it is not uncommon to see students at a university walking around with smartphones, iPad’s and laptops. These days’, students are perceived to be digitally literate when starting their first year of studies. This, however, may not necessarily be true. This study is twofold: firstly, we examine the digital literacy level of the first year students at a South African university who are enrolled for a computer programming course; and secondly, we determine whether these students’ digital literacy level has an impact on their programming ability. A quantitative approach was taken with a closed ended questionnaire used to collect data. The data that were collected were (a) analysed according to the students’ access to and use of technology and (b) brought in relation to the students’ final mark for their computer programming module. The results showed that there was a significant but weak positive correlation between...
The twenty-first century has been an era of technological advances that has surpassed previous de... more The twenty-first century has been an era of technological advances that has surpassed previous decades. This is largely due to the level of innovation in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation. However, learners are often reluctant to choose computer programming (coding) as a subject due to its perceived difficulty. Nevertheless, it is also well known that learners who are introduced to computer programming at a young age become the computer science university graduates of tomorrow. Learners’ hesitancy towards computer programming is due to the complex, abstract nature of the discipline. To this end, innovative tools are proving useful for learners to overcome such barriers. This chapter provides effective strategies to teach the fundamental concepts of computer programming using robotics, specifically Lego Mindstorms robots. The approach taken is hands-on, student-centred and visual. Learners develop coding solutions through designing and coding real-world problems, visually correcting their imprecisions. This chapter includes learning activities and practical examples from case studies. The inequality of women in the workplace, especially women in IT, is also addressed. A discussion around effective approaches to teaching girls’ coding is included as research indicates that girls’ learning requirements for coding are different to those of boys.
Service-oriented architectures support distributed heterogeneous environments where business tran... more Service-oriented architectures support distributed heterogeneous environments where business transactions occur among loosely connected services. Ensuring a secure infrastructure for this environment is challenging. There are currently various approaches to addressing information security, each with its own set of benefits and difficulties. Additionally, organisations can adopt vendor-based information security frameworks to assist them in implementing adequate information security controls. Unfortunately, there is no standard information security framework that has been adopted for service-oriented architectures. This paper analyses the information security challenges faced by service-oriented architectures. Information security components for a service-oriented architecture environment are proposed. These components were developed collectively from serviceoriented architecture design principles, the ISO/IEC 27002:2005 standard, and other service-oriented architecture governance frameworks. The information security framework can assist organisations in determining information security controls for service-oriented architectures, aligned to current ISO/IEC 27002:2005 standards.
Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a design paradigm that enables applications to be built fr... more Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a design paradigm that enables applications to be built from business processes. Services, service-orientation and related technology give organisations the ability to gain a competitive edge. This however, does not come without ...
Metacognition refers to the development and application of learning strategies and the ability to... more Metacognition refers to the development and application of learning strategies and the ability to plan, control and monitor learning. Research indicates that students’ metacognitive awareness and skills can influence their academic success. This study determined the extent to which students learning a computer programming module were meta-cognitively aware. The Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) developed by Schraw and Dennison (1994) was used. The MAI correlates closely to academic success and can therefore assist in identifying those students that require further academic assistance and support. The preliminary results indicate that students overestimate their academic abilities. Additionally, a metacognitive strategy intervention was developed to improve students’ metacognitive skills. The intervention was classroom oriented, where explicit teaching of metacognition strategies and metacognition regulation was deliberated with students. The intervention also included an adapt...
International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education
Gamification is used in various disciplines to elucidate complex problems. These disciplines are ... more Gamification is used in various disciplines to elucidate complex problems. These disciplines are typically the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. It is not known whether gamification can be used to teach research methodology. MinecraftEDU was used to create games to explain the various concepts within research methodology. The purpose was to force students to engage with the theory and literature and create a game based on their insights. An analysis of the students’ feedback indicates that they preferred this method to more traditional lectures. Although they experienced initial problems with the MinecraftEDU environment, the overall experience was perceived as positive. The results indicate that gamification can be used to teach research methodology, but more research is needed to determine how game elements can be incorporated into a research methodology game.
Abstract—Service-oriented architectures support distributed heterogeneous environments where busi... more Abstract—Service-oriented architectures support distributed heterogeneous environments where business transactions occur among loosely connected services. Ensuring a secure infrastructure for this environment is challenging. There are currently various approaches to addressing information security, each with its own set of benefits and difficulties. Additionally, organisations can adopt vendor-based information security frameworks to assist them in implementing adequate information security controls.
The objective of computer programming is that students learn how to develop solutions in computer... more The objective of computer programming is that students learn how to develop solutions in computer programing languages, such as Java. However, to develop such solutions students need to be able to solve problems. Therefore, problem solving is a critical skill that needs to be acquired. As problem solving and computer programming is difficult, universities worldwide make use of interactive tools, such as Scratch, Alice and Greenfoot to provide a user-friendly, visual and comfortable computer programming environment. The aim of such tools is for students to develop computer programming concepts informally. However, if students are to become competent computer programmers, they must transfer the programming concepts learnt from such tools, to formalised computer programming languages. This paper examines the extent to which mediated transfer is an effective pedagogy to transition students. The results indicate that the transition may not be as seamless as was first expected.
Computer programming is a subject that many students find challenging to learn. In spite of much ... more Computer programming is a subject that many students find challenging to learn. In spite of much research concerning such challenges, there is still uncertainty regarding which pedagogical approaches are best suited to teaching-and-learning novice students' computer programming. However, research indicates that "learning on the edge of what we know" does provide an opportunity for novice students to link a learnt concept to other unfamiliar yet similar concepts. In other words, learning is transferred from one context to another when the contexts are closely related, also known as mediated transfer. However, in spite of utilizing such techniques learning is also a function of time, not ability, and given time it is possible for novice students to overcome barriers related to computer programming. This paper illustrates that given time and providing students with an opportunity to learn on the edge of what they know, novice students are able to learn the fundamental concepts of computer programming.
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Papers by Jacqui Chetty