Introductory Graphics Programming: Transition to IMPACT

Computer programming is a difficult field for students to learn, while the most effective teaching strategies are not known conclusively. Educator’s opinions vary as to the optimal approach. It is largely a point of agreement however that programming, as an applied field, is learned more quickly as a function of practice. Traditional lecture approaches impose a passive mindset upon the student and uses valuable time. This study posits that students might be better served by minimizing student time passively listening to lectures and instead keeping students actively engaged at the keyboard work through programming problems individually and in small groups. The IMPACT model helps facilitate this move away from a purely instructor-led model to a more student-centered model. Both affective and performance metrics are gathered and analyzed in the transition to the new teaching model. As the first IMPACT class, run in a true IMPACT room, is currently in session, study results are pending.