Exploiting Smalltalk modules in a customizable programming environment

Abstract

This paper describes how we extended a module structure of the Smalltalk LearningWorks framework to provide a programming environment designed for very large scale technology transfer. The 'module' is what we have termed the LearningBook, a set of classes and persistent objects, including an HTML browser, programming and visualization tools, and microworlds. The context for this development is a distance learning university course in object technology which is enrolling over 5000 mature students per year-making it the largest such course in the world. While promoting a systems building approach, we have successfully added support for programming in the small and the needs of the isolated novice. Two guiding principles have been: (i) the environment and its modules fit into a consistent structure for personal management of learning and (ii) details of complex facilities, such as the class library, are progressively disclosed as knowledge and sophistication grow. The paper shows how these principles have guided the exploitation of LearningBook modules. To provide context, relevant academic background is given. Early informal feedback is reported and a project currently underway to observe in detail how thousands of learners use the programming environment is sketched.