Using WReSTT in SE courses: an empirical study

  • Authors:

  • Peter J. Clarke;Jairo Pava;Debra Davis;Frank Hernandez;Tariq M. King

  • Affiliations:

  • Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA;Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA;Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA;Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA;North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 43rd ACM technical symposium on Computer Science Education
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

There continues to be a lack of adequate training for students in software testing techniques and tools at most academic institutions. Several educators and researchers have investigated innovative approaches that integrate testing into programming and software engineering (SE) courses with some success. The main problems are getting other educators to adopt their approaches and ensuring students continue to use the techniques they learned in previous courses. In this paper we present a study that evaluates a non-intrusive approach to integrating software testing techniques and tools in SE courses. The study uses a Web-Based Repository of Software Testing Tools (WReSTT) that contains tutorials on software testing concepts and tools. The results of the study show that (1) students who use WReSTT in the classroom can improve their understanding and use of testing techniques and tools, (2) students find WReSTT a useful learning resource, and (3) the collaborative learning environment motivates students to complete assignments.