Improving education in the domain of professional issues in software engineering: using action research and collaborative learning with ICT

This research examines the use of ICT to support a group-based pedagogy in Professional Issues in Software Engineering (PISE). The research was conducted over eight cycles of teaching and uses an action research methodology to investigate different research themes. The research introduces the concept of multi-institutional collaboration in the teaching and assessment of PISE. Issues were identified throughout the research phases and these led to the following developments: • guidelines for learners on using online discussion in an academic setting • recommendations for institutions intending to collaborate on teaching and assessment • guidelines on building and sustaining online learning groups • instrument for formative and summative assessment of learning in online discussions • design and evaluation of a tool to facilitate data visualisation for learning feedback for students and lecturers The outcomes from this research indicate that, providing the appropriate preparations are made, a multi-institutional approach to teaching and assessment can enhance student learning in PISE and related subject domains. Furthermore, in a time when there is increased demand for graduates with the skills to deal with globalised work practices, tools to teach such skills at third level are now particularly important. This study goes some way to identifying best practices and the design and use of appropriate tools to support this.