THE PROTOTYPE OF SMART JAVA EDITOR : AN INITIAL APPROACH OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

This study is about the Smart Java language editor (SJE). SJE combines the current features of existing Java editor with some smart features that will help students in learning Java programming.

THE PROTOTYPE OF SMART JAVA EDITOR : AN INITIAL APPROACH OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

Smart Java language editor (SJE). SJE combines the current features of existing Java editor with some smart features that will help students in learning Java programming. The smart features mentioned here are the smart tutoring system, pop-up information, interactive, animation and ease-of-language. The teaching strategies emphasized in SJE will prepare interactive learning environments parable to the student’s programming ability. Students need to answer ten basic questions provided and system will calculate their mark. Within the mark, students can be categorized either as a beginner or intermediate learner. The difference between a beginner and an intermediate learner is how the teaching approach would appear on the screen. That fact or error appears regarding on each line coding written by the student. For the beginner, the facts appearing within the line coding should be more detailed providing more assistance and extra guidance. This will assist student to edit and rectify their program. Intermediate learners need information and facts concisely and precisely presented.

This research focused on the prototype of Smart Java editor in order to make users feel comfortable and have a fun feeling during the editing phase. It can minimize syntax error during Java programming language editing. This prototype provides line by line syntax error checker which would make the user experience fun and enjoyment during editing Java language. This is because this editor will be able to categorize user into 2 categories based on their knowledge about Java. The editor environment provides 2 editor environments to suit with 2 different users. Categories of users are beginners and intermediates.

The project plans to achieve the following objectives. To produce a prototype of Smart Java Editor, this would facilitate students’ understanding using the Java programming language. Teaching and learning techniques of Java programming will be more effective in future. SJE makes users feel comfortable and creates a feeling of enjoyment during the editing phase. Enable students to learn on their own and to maximize the involvement of self-teaching. Help students prepare a program with minimum number of errors during editing. The existing scope of Smart Java Editor is only limited to facilitate beginner and intermediate level. It should be expanded for advanced level. Thus, the scope of the editor should not be only about basic programming language but object oriented as well. Future development would possibly be in:

- Expanding the scope of learning
The existing scope of Smart Java Editor is only limited to facilitate beginners and intermediate level. It should be expanded to advanced level. Thus, the scope of the editor should not only be about basic programming language but object oriented as well.

-Network technology
Given the interest in learning programming system along with information technology, this prototype should be implemented in a network environment in a webpage. This can benefit all students regardless of the time and place.

-Program visualization
This editor is able to display a flow chart during editing. The flow chart shows the data stream of a program. If any error occurs, system will highlight the affected area. This will make student to be more alert about any errors that occurs on each single line of the Java program.

Contact details of lead researcher(s)
Zamlina bte Abdullah,
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Melaka Campus.
[email protected]

Published: 11 Jul 2013

Contact details:

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Institute of Research, Development and Commersialisation (IRDC) Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, 50450 Shah Alam Selangor Malaysia

03-55442094
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