Technologies and Strategies for Integrating Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Education with Programming

A range of technologies and teaching strategies may be used to improve the quality of teaching object- oriented (OO) concepts where there is a close relationship between OO analysis and design (OOAD) combined with OO programming (OOP). This study investigates the application of a number of these technologies and teaching strategies across university courses in OOAD and OOP, using an empirical approach based upon attitudinal and student performance data. The systems used include: development environments that provide two-way linkage between UML diagrams and OO program code; interactive whiteboards to allow educational demonstrations that more closely represent actual practice; and an online delivery tool for course content, messages and discussions. Close integration between the processes of OOAD and OOP courses is also investigated. The approaches significantly improved student grades, perceived levels of understanding and productivity. The integration of course concepts and assignments, and the electronic discussion boards, are key benefit drivers.