Teaching Java-objects first with BlueJ

Abstract

The traditional way to teach computer languages such as C, C++ is to start with a simple program "Hello, world!". Java derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities. But Java uses the object-oriented programming methodology. To start teaching "Hello, world!" will not help students understand the objectoriented programming concept of Java. Therefore, it will be difficult for students to take advantage of object-oriented programming concepts. In this paper, an objects first Java teaching method with BlueJ, a simplified and virtualized development environment, is presented. A postcourse assessment is conducted. The interpretation of the assessment results is also discussed. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2008.