Using squeak for teaching user interface software

ABSTRACT

Squeak is a new programming language that is particularly appropriate for learning computer science. It offers an excellent infrastructure for interesting projects (e.g., multimedia, Web browsing and serving), and all source code is included (and written in Squeak) from the virtual machine, windowing, on up. Squeak is being used in a course on Objects and Design (focusing on the development of user interfaces), both to enhance the infrastructure for a course on, and to change how user interfaces are taught. Rather than teach a toolkit, the focus is now on teaching students how to build toolkits. This paper presents a pilot study suggesting benefits of our new approach.

REFERENCES

• 1: John M. Carroll , Janice A. Singer , Rachel K. E. Bellamy , Sherman R. Alpert, A view matcher for learning Smalltalk, Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference on Human factors in computing systems: Empowering people, p.431-437, April 01-05, 1990, Seattle, Washington, United States [doi>10.1145/97243.97320]
• 2: Guzdial, M., and Turns, J. Effective discussion through a computer-mediated anchored forum. Journal of the Learning Sciences, To appear (2000).
• 3: Dan Ingalls , Ted Kaehler , John Maloney , Scott Wallace , Alan Kay, Back to the future: the story of Squeak, a practical Smalltalk written in itself, Proceedings of the 12th ACM SIGPLAN conference on Object-oriented programming, systems, languages, and applications, p.318-326, October 05-09, 1997, Atlanta, Georgia, United States

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Curriculum

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: User interfaces

  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Management, Measurement, Performance, Theory