Introducing object environments: cognitive difficulties

The paper reports on research arising from the introduction in two Australian universities, of event-driven and object-based programming concepts through the use of Visual Basic. There are implications for education and training in any atmosphere requiring rapid mental cognitive shifts and the use of new paradigms. Educators must question how their teaching methods and styles can be adapted to assist students to move from an old paradigm to a new, and whether it is necessary to unlearn some of the old concepts. Students enjoyed learning Visual Basic and almost all expressed the view that it was an exciting experience. Our students all had previous programming experience, but the question is whether or not VB would make a good initial programming language. Further research is needed to determine this