Exploring the Difficulties of Learning Object-Oriented Techniques.

Author List: Sheetz, Steven D.; Irwin, Gretchen; Tegarden, David P.; Nelson, H. James; Monarchi, David E.;
Journal of Management Information Systems, 1997, Volume 14, Issue 2, Page 103-131.
Object-oriented (OO) analysis, design, and programming techniques have emerged as potential solutions to the software crisis. However, learning OO techniques can be a difficult process. This study investigates students' perceptions of the difficulties in learning and using OO techniques. Two groups of students who had recently completed a sixteen-week course on OO systems development participated in the study. Cognitive mapping techniques implemented with group support system (GSS) technology were used to gather information on the students' perceptions. The groups used the GSS to identify what was difficult about learning and using OO techniques, classify these concepts into categories, rank the relative importance of each category, and determine the relationships among the categories. Importance rankings of the categories show that learning basic object concepts was most important to and most difficult for the students, followed by design issues, and programming techniques. Composite cognitive maps of the shared perceptions of group members suggest that educators and industry trainers can reduce the difficulties of learning OO concepts by teaching simplified methodologies and controlling difficulties of the programming environment.
Keywords: cognitive mapping;group support systems;learning;object-oriented systems
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#60 0.298 analysis techniques structured categories protocol used evolution support methods protocols verbal improve object-oriented difficulties analyses category benchmark comparison provided recognition
#14 0.121 training learning outcomes effectiveness cognitive technology-mediated end-user methods environments longitudinal skills performance using effective method e-learning web-based basic ability learn
#233 0.107 group gss support groups systems brainstorming research process electronic members results paper effects individual ebs using used anonymity ideas discussion
#246 0.089 strategic benefits economic benefit potential systems technology long-term applications competitive company suggest additional companies industry operating costs difficult substantial total
#150 0.087 issues management systems information key managers executives senior corporate important importance survey critical corporations multinational managing interviews study results concerns
#12 0.074 students education student course teaching schools curriculum faculty future experience educational university undergraduate mba business technologies graduate courses programs subjects
#275 0.051 perceptions attitudes research study impacts importance perceived theory results perceptual perceive perception impact relationships basis significant positive reported common individuals