A Collaborative Constraint-based Intelligent System for Learning Object-Oriented Analysis and Design using UML

Nilufar Baghaei, PhD Student

Dept. CSSE, University of Canterbury

Wed Aug 22 10:00:00 NZST 2007 in C3

Abstract

We present COLLECT-UML, a constraint-based collaborative learning environment that teaches effective collaboration and object-oriented analysis and design using UML. We started by developing a single-user ITS that supported students in learning UML class diagrams. The system was evaluated in a real classroom, and the results showed that students' performance increased significantly. We then extended the system to provide support for collaboration. The effectiveness of the system was evaluated in two studies with students taking ITS and software engineering courses. Objective data shows that students' performance increases significantly while interacting with the system, and that they learn how to collaborative more effectively. The students have enjoyed working with the system and found it a valuable asset to their learning.