A minimally disruptive approach of integrating testing into computer programming courses

Abstract

The problem of finding and evaluating effective ways of integrating software testing concepts and related techniques into introductory programming courses is still an open research question. In this paper, we present multiple studies that assess our approach to integrating software testing in Computer Science (CS) and Software Engineering (SE) courses. Each study uses SEP-CyLE (Software Engineering and Programming Cyberlearning Environment), an external, web-based learning tool to help instructors integrate testing concepts into their courses. These empirical studies were conducted in eight CS/SE course sections at a medium-sized public university. The results show (1) SEP-CyLE can be efficiently used in the class-room to impact the testing knowledge gained by students, and (2) students find that SEP-CyLE is a useful learning resource that effectively helps them complete course tasks and better master course concepts.