Active learning environment: Applying the problem based learning approach to Amoeba Distributed Operating System

Problem-based learning refers to any learning environment in which the problem drives the learning, because it is posed m such a way that students realize they need to acquire new knowledge before the problem can be solved. By the help of this paper we are trying to present the experience of a structured problem-based learning approach to the teaching of an introductory study module on distributed operating system in the thud year of an Computer Engineering graduate program. Amoeba Distributed Operating System design problem was posed to students at the beginning of the module. Small groups of students worked on a cooperative learning project for six weeks, while the teacher acted as the coach and the facilitator of knowledge acquisition. Written reports were collected each week and the student assessments of the learning environment were measured. The paper closes with a list of recommendations intended to assist academics interested in adopting a similar approach.