Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://dl.ucsc.cmb.ac.lk/jspui/handle/123456789/3205
Title: Web based Self Learning Facility for Cambridge O/Level Computer Science Students
Authors: Fernando, M.C.I.
Issue Date: 6-Jul-2015
Abstract: There are about 25 International Schools in Sri Lanka. They prepare students to sit the G.C.E. O/Level examination conducted by the Cambridge International Exams (CIE), the international examinations arm of the Cambridge University of UK. In 2013, they changed the syllabus of hitherto operational Computer Studies subject and named it Computer Science. Instead of the usual single written paper, they introduced a second paper comprising entirely of algorithms and programming code. The current O/Level batch will face this exam under the new syllabus for the first time in May/June 2015. When one leading school prepared their monthly tests and semester exam papers according to the new syllabus, the children failed in the algorithm paper miserably. It was quite alarming and they hurriedly began looking for a solution. Students continued to perform well in the theory paper while only the algorithm paper was found difficult. The main cause of the problem soon became clear. The students were used to study just before the exam and answer the question papers. Although that method worked for the theory paper, it did not work for the algorithm paper. After extensive discussions and a few sessions of brainstorming among the teachers and the IT Department staff, it was decided to create an eLearning course as a solution to the problem. The conclusion was that students were unable to cope with the practical and logical way of writing algorithms, during the allocated time period in school. This eLearning course would enable the students to follow the lessons at home, at their own pace of learning. They will be able to repeat any difficult sections of the course any number of times. Additionally, they will take part in the activities such as quizzes and assignments which will be graded and recorded. The students will know their own progress and adapt accordingly. A study was done to determine the needs of the students to improve the performance deficiencies in order to make them face the final exam with confidence. Various learning theories were followed in ascertaining the different types of students and their learning styles. When analysing the needs requirements, the accepted standard methods like questionnaires, interviews and surveys were carried out using a sample of the student population.. The lessons were planned out to suit a web based self learning course and the storyboards were created. Many software packages including Adobe Flash, Premiere, Moovly, Powtoon, Reload Editor, were used to convert them to uploadable lesson files. The content was uploaded to a MOODLE based LMS and thoroughly tested. Thereafter some students were enrolled in the course and were asked to follow the course and evaluate it. Further, a few teachers were also asked to evaluate the course. Carefully designed questionnaires were used to get the student and teacher feedback for further development and enhancement. This report is intended to record and present the entire process of developing the course.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3205
Appears in Collections:Master of Information Technology - 2015

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