My name is Des Traynor, I began a PhD (cryptically) entitled The Analysis and Synthesis of Student Profiling in Adaptive Learning Environments. My work primarily involves using solid software engineering techniques to incrementally build a cognitive model of learning to program.
The system will be created using empirical evidence gathered from first year programmers, and their mistakes. A detailed overview of how this will be attempted will be present (hopefully) at PPIG 04 in Carlow.
As an old and original PPIGer I thought I'd update people on my activities.
I am now the senior HF specialist at IDEO Palo Alto, worrying a lot about the user-centered design of numerous internet related products. I worked on 3COM's now-departed Audrey and a number of other internet-enabled keyboards, picture frames and entertainment devices - all involving detailed visits to people's homes and offices to understand their needs, goals and motivations.
Hi. My name is Jim Buckley and I am a lecturer at the Limerick Institute of Technology. I have been listening in on PPIG for quite some time but this is my first active participation!
The Playground Project is 3-year project funded by ESPRIT. Our aim is to create computer environments called "playgrounds" where children aged 6-8 can play, design and create games. We are working with two visual/animated programming languages: ToonTalk and Open Logo. Through programming and playing with rules, we hope to enable children to engage in abstract ways of thinking.
