A Collaborative Problem Resolution Support System for Group-based Software Engineering Project Course and its Application

Abstract

Software development is a highly knowledge-intensive and collaborative work. Problem resolution processes are performed iteratively during software development. The authors proposed a problem resolution process model that was based on reflection and collaboration for a software engineering project course. They also developed a support system based on the model and applied it to an actual university course. The results from the stored log data and the questionnaire showed that 1) around 90% of the registered problem resolution information dealt with the implementation phase, 2) 95% of the registered problem resolution information dealt with the technical information and only 5% dealt with the process information, 3) all respondents agreed with sharing the problem resolution information and the question and answer information in the whole class, and 4) although the number of questions was small, the questions were not resolved by inquiring colleagues in group, investigating web pages and/or referring to the problem resolution information stored in the system, therefore the degree of difficulty was high.