An approach to teaching Java using computers

Abstract

This paper describes how the use of computers in the classroom (using studio teaching) can help students to better understand Java programming concepts during classroom presentations. Students learn by three methods: auditory, visual, and kinetic. Studio teaching uses all three methods, but relies mostly on the kinetic method. Students actually practice the programming concepts in the classroom on the computer as the instructor presents them. The studio teaching method helps the average-to-poor scholastic achievers the most, while high-achieving students seemed to do just as well with the typical lecture-style format. The disadvantage of studio teaching is that it is expensive to equip labs with computers, and more time is needed to present the material to the students. Also, it takes time for students to practice programming concepts on the computer in class.