Developing Educational Materials in Java: A Report From the Front Lines

This paper describes the use of Java to develop a variety of educational materials to supplement both traditional instruction and Internet-based instruction. Efforts have focused on three projects that vary in course level, content, and style of interaction. Unlike the simple Java applets on the Web, these are very sophisticated simulation environments that are at the cutting edge of Java development. The freshman Overview of Computer Science course uses a set of elaborate Java simulations in a closed lab setting where students work in small groups to explore a problem domain while the instructor circulates among them providing assistance as necessary. The Concurrency Simulator used in the sophomore level Introduction to Parallel Programming course is used for demonstration during classroom instruction and for students to complete programming assignments outside of class. The Operating Systems course uses Java applets to provide student interaction in an Internet-based course. After presenting an overview for each of these projects, the Java programming environment is discussed, including successes and problems encountered during implementation, common factors in the design of materials, measuring the educational effectiveness of the materials, and advice on the development of Java-based educational materials. (Author) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ******************************************************************************** file:///DINECC/PROCEEDS/KURTZ/PROCEED.HTM