Teaching software engineering to undergraduate computing students. (10th April 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahmood, Zaigham
• Is Part Of: International journal of teaching and case studies. Volume 3:Number 2/3/4(2011)
• Page Start: 112
• Page End: 122
• Publication Date: 2011-04-10
• Subjects: software engineering -- programming -- software development -- computer languages -- teaching -- undergraduates -- computing students -- higher education -- computing education -- group working -- software design -- teamwork -- UK -- United Kingdom -- Pakistan; Teaching -- Periodicals; 371.10205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-9151

Abstract

University programmes in software engineering (SE) aim to produce graduates who have knowledge of the latest technologies and appropriate expertise to develop complex software. Although SE courses are often well designed, those completing such programmes do not necessarily possess the required skills. There are several reasons mainly due to issues relating to the design of SE programmes as well as those concerning the delivery of course material. In the present work, we discuss matters relating to the second type, in particular: teaching of software development, choice of programming paradigms, criteria for choosing a first language, design approaches and group working. In this context, the paper highlights the weaknesses of the traditional methods of teaching and outlines an Objects-First approach for teaching a first course in SE. It is suggested that, during later stages of the programme of study, students specify, design and implement software systems working in teams of at least ten. Otherwise, students will be unable to fully appreciate the difficulties associated with SE.