An enhanced software tool to aid novices in learning Object Oriented Programming (OOP)

Because of the complexity of Object Oriented Programming (OOP), various applications have been implemented as a learning support. However, results show that the novice learners still face problems in learning OOP. This paper has undergone an empirical research, aiming at understanding the problems faced by the novice learners in grasping the OOP concepts. This research has therefore the aim of determining requirements for a software tool which caters for the needs of the students. As methodology, a survey was carried out to identify the learners´ difficulties and the types of supports they require while interacting with the OOP supporting tool. The latter also takes into consideration valid features of prior OOP teaching software tools. A particular feature, in-built in the tool, also caters for e-assessment which will allow the user to know his proficiency level. Novice learners are thus able to monitor their progress and take relevant actions accordingly. Thus, this will encourage novice learners to engage and be motivated to learn OOP at their own pace.