ClaRA (C++ learning at RWTH Aachen) Change from classical teaching to e-learing

Within the scope of the course Computer Science in Mechanical Engineering, a blended learning concept is used in order to teach students of mechanical engineering the basic principles of computer science. This concept comprises of classical lectures and tutorials, project work and an e-learning platform and is designed for about 1400 students per semester. Basic elements of the e-learning platform are multimedia learning applications, a message board, live recordings of the lectures and in the future ClaRA, an interactive e-learning unit. ClaRA is web-based and supports the tutoring of the basics of object-oriented programming using the programming language C++. It substitutes courses with compulsory attendance, providing the students a chance to teach themselves C++ irrespective of the factors like time and place. The paper describes on one hand the new e-learning unit ClaRa and the implementation and evaluation of the project, on the other hand, the actual experiences with the change in the blended learning concept.