Teach UML

e-Learning, while offering many advantages over traditional classroom-based courses, has not fulfilled its aim as the ultimate solution to the training problem. Many organizations are now examining different blends of learning, taking the best aspects of both classroom-based and on-line training, to provide more effective learning opportunities to employees. Lifelong up-skilling is vital in the software engineering industry, where employees need the ability to adapt to new technologies and methods in order to remain competitive. The UML (Unified Modelling Language) is a relatively recently developed methodology used for developing object-oriented software. Because of this, many developers have had little or no formal training in UML. This has resulted in a low level of use in the software industry. Having identified the need for effective training in UML, this study was designed to estimate the effects that a blended learning setting would have on learners and the training effectiveness.

This paper presents our experience in teaching an undergraduate module in Object Oriented Software Development using UML. A brief introduction of significance of the module in the overall curriculum followed by details of course description, course assessment strategy, rationale of development of customized course material, and of a course project are presented. Course feedback and students' overall learning are also included with a discussion concerning the problems in teaching such a module.

StudentUML is an educational tool designed to support the construction of consistent UML models. The aim of StudentUML is to provide the students with a simple yet effective tool that meets their learning needs without distracting them from the learning process with unnecessary features. Furthermore, the unique among similar tools capability of StudentUML to validate diagrams and check their consistency substantially supports students in the process of correctly assimilating the taught concepts. This paper presents the results of experiments that have been conducted in order to evaluate the usability of the tool, its sufficiency for practicing UML concepts in the labs, and the educational value of its consistency checking feature.

Blended-learning as a well-balanced mix of presence training and various computer supported formats is evolving as the leading approach for efficient training. In the framework of a Leonardo-da-Vinci project, partners from various European countries developed blended-learning concepts for training software specialists in the Unified Modeling Language 2.0 (UML). This experience report presents the results of a blended-learning approach performed through pilot tests with knowledge workers from SMEs in Germany.

This paper, describes the experience made with teaching UML in the context of industrial technology transfer projects. Based on numerous applications of a modular blended learning approach for teaching object-oriented software development with UML, an attempt has been made to improve the design, the organization and the execution of the blended learning arrangement. Therefore, we collected data on the learning environment, the learners´ behaviour and preferences. The results from the questioning in an industrial setting, although far from being representative because of the small number of respondents, give some interesting insights in the needs and expectations of learners and the usage of different elements of blended learning arrangements.

The aim of this activity is to collect the most challenging questions in teaching a subject like UML which need further research.