Problem Solving to teach Processing Systems: Engineering Learning Objects based on Anchored Instruction

There is a great request of new and effective aids that facilitate information acquisition and knowledge construction. Researchers in the field of educational software development are continually involved in experimenting new approaches to improve students’ learning capabilities. The new engineering methodologies allow developing learning objects that really support information transfer and knowledge building. This paper presents an investigation on the capacity of web-based, computer-assisted, anchored instruction to improve problem-solving skills while teaching scientific disciplines in the university environment. The experience provides empirical evidence of the usefulness of the adopted solution in developing learning objects to teach computer systems architecture to computer science students. The developed instructional software really provides a motivating, attractive and enjoyable environment. The experience has a positive impact on students, strengthening their problem-solving skills. The results suggest that web-based anchored instruction exhibits high potentials in offering useful instructional environments.