A state-of-practice on teaching software verification and validation

Zakaria, Zulfa (2009) A state-of-practice on teaching software verification and validation. In: 2009 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, 14 -17 Jun 2009, Austin, TX.

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Abstract

Software testing is an essential activity in the software development process. Moreover, it covers a large part of the development costs involved. And, as the software tester is a key player in the testing activities that occur throughout the software lifecycle, the efficacy of such testing depends very much on his or her experience, efficiency, skills, and intuition. Given this importance of software testing, educators face a significant challenge when teaching and equipping students with the testing methodologies, skills, and knowledge that are in line with industry needs. The aim of this paper is to examine the current state-of-practice with respect to teaching Software Verification and Validation (V&V) in the accredited Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) programs offered in Australian universities. An online survey was conducted to obtain the required data from these universities. The same online survey was used to obtain data from the Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP) program. Nine universities responded and the data obtained are compared to the data relating to the CSTP program. Consequently, this paper reports on the differences between the two programs by focusing on the methods of teaching and the coverage of those topics specified within the area of Software V&V Knowledge as it is stated in the ACM Curriculum Guidelines. The survey's results and analysis facilitate the discussion of further details concerning what is lacking in the teaching of each topic for each category. An initial suggestion that would contribute to overcoming this educational shortfall is explained briefly in the Future Work section. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2009.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Full Paper)
Additional Information:	4279/12858
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Certified software; Curriculum guidelines; Development costs; In-line; Industry needs; Large parts; Online surveys; Software development process; Software life cycles; Teaching software; Testing methodology
Subjects:	T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering > TK7800 Electronics. Computer engineering. Computer hardware. Photoelectronic devices > TK7885 Computer engineering
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology
Depositing User:	Muhammad Izzat Mohamed Shafie (PT)
Date Deposited:	02 Apr 2012 21:32
Last Modified:	02 Apr 2012 21:32
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/12858

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