ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Abstract

In the fast-changing world of technology, software is the driving force behind sig nificant advances in diverse disciplines including education, agriculture, medicine, engineering, and more. This thesis examines the imperative need to cultivate highly capable software engineers by addressing a number of important issues in software engineering education. The study concentrates on the difficulties of teaching software testing, the need for curriculum improvement, the influence of COVID-19 on education, the advantages of competency-based education (CBE), and the significance of industry-academia collaboration. This study begins with a systematic review of the literature on software testing education. The findings demonstrate the need for a more hands-on approach that includes practical sessions, educational activities, and tools. This discovery paves the way for the investigation of innovative teaching methods to improve student engagement and learning experiences. Consequently, the second section investigates the incorporation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and gamification into software engineering instruction. PBL-gamification arises as a promising strategy, motivating students and bridging the gap between industry and academia left by conventional teaching methods. The third section explores the paradigm transition towards competency-based education (CBE) in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. CBE, which is centred on outcome-based learning, promotes lifelong learning, inclusiveness, and clear expectations. To demonstrate the efficacy of CBE, a comparison is made with traditional educational approaches, using a software engineering competency checklist as a criterion for evaluation. The results demonstrate the importance of engineering education that focuses on equipping students with practical skills for their future professions. The fourth segment investigates the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on education, focusing on the strain it places on existing educational systems, particularly in regions with limited access to digital technology and internet con nectivity. Fifthly, the study proposes a collaborative strategy to strengthen industry academic collaboration. This strategy promotes effective communication and provides students and staff with valuable internship opportunities, recruitment channels, and enhanced academic research output by leveraging the influence of alumni. Academia and industry can foster innovation and the applicability of research by leveraging the strengths of alumni. The dissertation concludes with a comprehensive analysis of the software engineering curriculum at Delhi Technological University (DTU) in India. A survey of students in software engineering exposes both the benefits and drawbacks of the current approach. The findings pave the way for improvements to the SE programme, particularly in refining the teaching manner in order to produce highly qualified and professional software developers who can meet the industry’s growing demands. This comprehensive thesis concludes with a research roadmap for software engineering education, emphasising the importance of industry-academia collabo ration and competency-based approaches in preparing students to flourish in the dynamic technology industry. By addressing identified challenges and embracing collaborative efforts, educational institutions can equip future software engineers with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a technological landscape that is constantly advancing. The study highlights the importance of software engineering education in spurring innovation and development across multiple industries, thereby having a lasting impact on the advancement of society as a whole.