Modular Design of Teaching Cases: Reducing Workload While Maximizing Reusability

Abstract

Many software development courses rely heavily on a project-based learning component to provide hands-on experience with the majority of the course objectives. Courses such as systems analysis and design, database design, software engineering, and capstone software development courses often incorporate some form of case-based project that is much more extensive and integrated than are focused exercises over individual topics. To be truly educational, case studies can require a significant investment in time and effort on the part of the instructor, an investment that seldom carries over into future academic sessions. This paper presents a modular case study development concept for better managing the development of case studies and achieving project extensibility through reusable case study modules, while at the same time helping to reduce instructor workload and solution reuse by students.