ERIC Number: EJ1261191
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 32
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0899 3408
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Using GitHub in Large Software Engineering Classes. An Exploratory Case Study
Tushev, Miroslav; Williams, Grant; Mahmoud, Anas
Computer Science Education, v30 n2 p155-186 2020
Background and Context: GitHub has been recently used in Software Engineering (SE) classes to facilitate collaboration in student team projects as well as help teachers to evaluate the contributions of their students more objectively. Objective: We explore the benefits and drawbacks of using GitHub as a means for team collaboration and performance evaluation in large SE classes. Method: Our research method takes the form of a case study conducted in a senior level SE class with 91 students. Our study also includes entry and exit surveys, an exit interview, and a qualitative analysis of students' commit behavior. Findings: Different teams adapt GitHub to their workflow differently. Furthermore, despite the steep learning curve, using GitHub should not affect the quality of students' submissions. However, using GitHub metrics as a proxy for evaluating team performance can be risky. Implications: We provide several recommendations for integrating Web-based configuration management tools in SE classes.
Descriptors: Computer Software, Engineering Education, Student Projects, Teamwork, Case Studies, Computer Science Education, College Seniors, Management Systems, Student Attitudes, Teaching Methods, Open Source Technology
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: CCF1821525
Author Affiliations: N/A