Team-based software/system development in a vertically-integrated project-based course
- Resource Type
- Conference
- Authors
- Abler, Randal; Coyle, Ed; Kiopa, Agrita; Melkers, Julia
- Source
- 2011 Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE) Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), 2011. :T3F-1-T3F-7 Oct, 2011
- Subject
- General Topics for Engineers
Engineering Profession
Computing and Processing
Components, Circuits, Devices and Systems
Engineered Materials, Dielectrics and Plasmas
Fields, Waves and Electromagnetics
Power, Energy and Industry Applications
Servers
Software
Programming
Documentation
Teamwork
Machine learning
software development
virtual machines
peer-based learning
project-based learning
- Language
- ISSN
- 0190-5848
2377-634X
We use per-student virtual machines to allow new students to configure servers, thus enabling them to develop an understanding of the complex eStadium system. The outcomes include: student learning as the per-student virtual machines progress into software development and production machines supporting the eStadium game-day environment; the teamwork and leadership skills that evolve as students progress from initial learning to leadership roles in the creation of sophisticated applications; guidelines for instructors mentoring students through the process of building and maintaining a working production system; and, parallels with best-practice software and system development in industry. The use of peer-evaluations and social-network studies enable us to determine how the students interact with and learn from each other across years (sophomores through seniors). This cross year, cross experience-level learning process is essential for maintaining the technical and team continuity of the project. It also prepares students in a very realistic way for the software-development process in industry.