Development of an introductory course in Java programming for a ‘supported distance learning’ environment

This article describes the development of a course in Java programming, and its delivery in a ‘supported’ distance learning environment. By ‘supported’ is meant that, although students on the course may be geographically distant from the centre of delivery, they did have some personal contact with tutors and other students. However, the bulk of the didactic material was delivered using a combination of CD-ROM and Internet methods. To evaluate the appropriateness and success of this method of teaching, a group of ‘local’ students studied the new course, along with the distance-learning students. Comparison of the local students’ comments and success rates with those of students studying the same course the ‘traditional’ way allows some tentative suggestions to be made about the effectiveness of this style of teaching; suggestions will be offered to improve the delivery of this kind of course.