Learning Software Engineering Basic Concepts using a Five-Phase Game

Adrian Rusu, Robert Russell, John Robinson, Amalia Rusu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Unfortunately, the stereotype of a software engineer or computer scientist is one who spends his whole day in a cubicle programming. Other aspects of software engineering, such as holding meetings with the customer and users to gather requirements, documenting requirements, design, and testing are not talked about. Many middle and high school students believe this stereotype and become disinterested in a prospective career in software engineering. As a result, we developed a game prototype to teach software engineering basic concepts to middle and high school students. Our game allows a student to explore the various phases of the software life cycle, which are requirements, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. The waterfall software life cycle was practiced while developing this game, and every student in the Information Visualization course participated equally in the development of the game. In addition, visualization techniques were used to develop this game.

Original languageAmerican English
Journal2010 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2010

Keywords

  • K-12 Education
  • Software Engineering Education
  • Information Visualization
  • Educational Games

Disciplines

  • Engineering

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