Teaching Undergraduate Software Engineering: Xcode Mobile App Development during Dedicated Lab Periods

Abstract

The focus of this study is to explore the CS 4204 Software Engineering dedicated lab period accompanying traditional lectures. iPhone mobile app development took place using the industry standard Apple Xcode IDE and the Swift programming language in a Mac lab. Tutorials that built upon each other were assigned to students, leading to a culminating project. The labs were designed with the intent of helping students put software engineering theory into practice during mobile app development. Student perceptions and lab maintenance issues were discussed. Overall, faculty concluded that the added lab periods were beneficial for students.