Collaborative Research: Engaged Student Learning - Design and Development Level II: Using a Cyberlearning Environment to Improve Student Learning and Engagement in Software Courses

由于软件在21世纪世纪无处不在的性质，美国对软件开发人员和程序员的需求越来越大。 计算机科学（CS）和信息技术（IT）的学者和从业人员都认为，需要一个全面的战略，以提高21世纪CS/IT劳动力的数量和质量。 该项目将通过使用网络学习环境来帮助学院和大学培养更多合格的软件开发人员，该网络学习环境建立在并扩展了WReSTT-CyLE（基于网络的软件测试教程库），这是一种用于软件测试的网络学习环境。该项目将：（1）调查学生使用WReSTT-CyLE的影响，在学术机构的横截面，对他们的软件测试技能;（2）制定学习和参与策略的理论框架，最好地支持学生在不同学生群体的软件课程中的知识和技能的提高;（3）将WReSTT-CyLE转换为软件和编程课程的独立于领域的网络学习环境（SEP-CyLE）并重复（1）将SEP-CyLE用于软件课程;以及（4）每年举办两次研讨会，让教师了解如何在课堂上使用SEP-CyLE来支持教学法。（1）中的研究将包括定性和定量成分的混合方法研究。

Due to the ubiquitous nature of software in the 21st century there is a great and increasing demand for software developers and programmers in the US. Both Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) academicians and practitioners agree that a comprehensive strategy to improve the number and quality of 21st century CS/IT workforce is needed. This project will assist colleges and universities in producing more well-qualified software developers through the use of a cyberlearning environment that builds on and extends WReSTT-CyLE (Web-Based Repository of Software Testing Tutorials), a cyberlearning environment for software testing. The project will: (1) investigate the impact that students' use of WReSTT-CyLE, at a cross-section of academic institutions, has on their software testing skills; (2) develop a theoretical framework of learning and engagement strategies that best support improvement of students' knowledge and skills in software courses for diverse student groups; (3) transform WReSTT-CyLE into a domain-independent cyberlearning environment for software and programming courses (SEP-CyLE) and repeat (1) above using SEP-CyLE for software courses; and (4) conduct biannual workshops to expose instructors to how SEP-CyLE may be used in the classroom to support pedagogy. The research in (1) will include mixed methods studies with both qualitative and quantitative components.