LEARNING OBJECT TO ENHANCE INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMMING UNDERSTANDING: 

DOES THE SIZE REALLY MATTER?

ABSTRACT

Learning Object (LO) is the breakdown of larger content into smaller pieces of information that accomplishes a single learning outcome. The smaller piece of content is incorporated with multimedia elements to promote meaningful learning.  The prevailing focus on learning objects for introductory programming promising in terms of enhancing the programming concepts and syntax learning. However, the size of learning object that determines the amount of information to be placed on a single learning object still debatable.  There are no prominent guidelines found in literature to assist the design the size of the learning object for introductory programming modules.  This study aimed to investigate the effects of different sized learning objects on programming learning.  An experiment was carried out and one hundred and one novice programming students participated in this study.  Two different sizes of LO was developed as a learning support tool in a lab setting. The results of this study found that smaller learning objects (named as Micro Learning Object) are useful in delivering programming knowledge and actively engaged students in learning the programming concepts and syntax.