Object-orientation in software engineering education. Integrating concepts, methodology development models, and CASE in the curriculum

Outlines a strategy for integrating object orientation in a curriculum which must also include structured methods (SM). Proceeding from familiar SM concepts, students rapidly grasp object orientation when OO concept evolution is traced to SM antecedents. Students are helped to distinguish OO approaches through the comparison of unique sequences of procedural steps which comprise methodology-derived development models (MDMs). When OO analysis, design and development are supported by CASE, the software must reify an MDM which is consistent with a familiar software life-cycle. Computer-based tutorials are needed to support student work with CASE. A generic set of OO concepts, derived from an exhaustive study of OO methodologies, is identified. Summary definitions and page references are provided to help students to locate and compare the actual words of the methodologists, enriching their conceptual understanding. Comparative MDMs are illustrated. The paper concludes with recommendations for CASE tutorial development.