Informatica

Teaching of computer programming by electronic mail has been held in Lithuanian schools since 1992. School students of upper grades (8–12) took part in the experiments. The experiments showed that students cope better with first stages of programming (specifying the problem, etc.) than with the last ones (programming, debugging). The analysis of programming products (made by their peers) by students themselves may be expected to be an important component of learning and teaching.

A development of algorithms and writing of programs are considered as closely related but not identical parts of computer programming. Some differences between them are important for learning of computer programming, in particular, in distance learning. These differences are identified and discussed from the pedagogical point of view. The arguments for the selection of pedagogical based and cost-effective delivery modes in the case of distance learning are investigated. Practical examples supporting theoretical arguments are given on the activities of Lithuanian schools.

An algorithm testing methodology used in the programming teaching process is presented. Turbo Pascal system is used. Due to systematic use of some features of this system a pseudo-direct execution of algorithms expressed by Pascal procedures and functions may be ensured. The need to use data read and write statements is excluded. This enables a novice learner to concentrate himself on the main actions of an algorithm.