Lowering the Barrier to Entry
The Software Engineering course reflects the need for computing education to meet students where they are. Like any specialized community, computing has its own jargon. The formal teaching of computing should not burden students with the assumption that they are fluent in this special language.
The material is presented in smaller units that are more manageable for the students. The same vocabulary and software engineering concepts are covered, but in a more approachable way. Our Software Engineering course states information as plainly as possible, and, when appropriate, use images, tables, or lists.
Another way in which this content is more approachable is that it uses many small problems instead of one large project. Research shows that a variety of smaller problems increase student performance and reduce stress.
Using many small problems leads to students spending a sufficient amount of time on their work. This way, they do not wait until the last moment to begin their work.
