TOWARD A SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODEL OF TEACHING COMPUTER PROGRAMMING VIA DISTANCE EDUCATION

Shaffer, Steven

TOWARD A SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODEL OF TEACHING COMPUTER PROGRAMMING VIA DISTANCE EDUCATION

Open Access

Author:

Shaffer, Steven

Graduate Program:

Adult Education

Degree:

Doctor of Education

Document Type:

Dissertation

Date of Defense:

April 18, 2006

Committee Members:

Melody M Thompson, Committee Chair
Gary Kuhne, Committee Member
Bonnie J Meyer, Committee Member
Hoi Kin Suen, Committee Member

Keywords:

distance education
teaching
computer programming
system dynamics
education models

Abstract:

This paper explores the use of system dynamics to develop a model of learning to program via distance education. Based on a study which combined a qualitative study of students and instructors in computer programming courses taught through distance education with a meta-ethnographic analysis of the literature of learning to program and distance education, the study identifies and describes 51 variables (17 cognitive, 21 pedagogical and 13 practical) and presents a model which demonstrates how these variables might interact.