Interactive learning in IT : using alternative object-oriented language
Loading...
Date
2025-12-01
Authors
Καραμήτσος, Ιωάννης
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Interactive education represents a shift in the traditional approach to education that has been in place for years, with a primary focus on engaging students in dynamic and flexible learning environments. This thesis explores the potential of an alternative object-oriented language of Smalltalk and Squeak, an interactive and dynamic environment, for teaching basic concepts in IT using interactive exercises. This research aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of Squeak/Smalltalk as a tool to enhance interactive IT education through the use of an interactive scaffolded exercise inspired by the Space Invaders Game. Chapter 1 introduces the topic with the research objective and challenges followed by Chapter 2, in which a comparison is made between the traditional way of learning and interactive learning using a literature review to explore the benefits of interactive learning followed by game-based learning and gamification in programming as well as challenges in OOP and trojan horse implementation. Chapter 3 introduces the methodology followed by the alternative Space Invaders game and the choice of Squeak and Smalltalk compared to similar environments like Pharo. Chapter 4 implements the alternative version of Space Invaders, based on a framework and the Trojan Horse technique. The exercise is divided into 5 stages, each corresponding to a different IT concept and each stage is analysed and explained. At the end a proposal is presented on how to integrate it into the curriculum. Chapter 5 provides an evaluation synthesis of peer-reviewed literature and documented implementations in higher education and a comparison table of the teaching methods using a set of parameters which are the learning outcomes to be compared and also a future pilot testing of the exercise is discussed. Chapter 6 discusses future work of a pilot and how the exercise can be integrated with the highly evolving field of computer science education with potential AI formative feedback systems by providing personalized tips and feedback according to exercises aiming to be a support and guide within the Squeak environment. Based on the literature analyses and researches, interactive learning using Smalltalk/Squeak games provides an encouraging way to learning challenges in IT. The use of this environment and object-oriented language can motivate effectively students learning in the future along with the integration of AI technologies for personalized and better guidance and also set the stage for further research and implementation in education.
Description
Keywords
Object oriented programming (OOP), Human-computer interaction (HCI), Interactive learning, Squeak, Smalltalk