Using Karel J collaboratively to facilitate object-oriented learning

This paper presents some findings from an experiment on collaborative use of a graphical programming tool termed Karel J. The aim of the experiment was to study the level of potential knowledge on chosen object-oriented concepts determined through problem solving in conversation with peer-students and teacher. The experiment lasted two full days and one half day and, was the students' first introduction to object-oriented programming. The paper presents extracts from the students' conversations while solving problems, and discusses the extracts with respect to students' understanding of object-oriented concepts. The experiment indicates that the students were able to learn basic concepts in only a few days.