CAL support for complex CASE tutorials. Demonstrating software engineering concepts through CASE

Abstract

The steep curve inherent in learning to use CASE has been often noted. Integrating CASE in the software engineering curriculum requires substantial effort and resources to produce and support tutorials suitable for university students. As integrated CASE (I-CASE) products are more extensive and rigorous than consumer productivity tools, the magnitude of the learning task can be underestimated. CASE documentation must be adapted for educational use. This paper reports the development, implementation and refinement of a computer-assisted learning (CAL) tutorial resource to support software engineering education in the use of commercial I-CASE software. Beginning with a discussion of learning and unit objectives, this paper addresses tutorial development strategy, subject rationale and presentation sequence, resource requirements, recommendations and observations. Examples of the student interface, tutorial screens and text are illustrated.