An NMF solution for the Flowgraphs case at the TTC 2013

Software systems are getting more and more complex. Model-driven engineering (MDE) offers ways to handle such increased complexity by lifting development to a higher level of abstraction. A key part in MDE are transformations that transform any given model into another. These transformations are used to generate all kinds of software artifacts from models. However, there is little consensus about the transformation tools. Thus, the Transformation Tool Contest (TTC) 2013 aims to compare different transformation engines. This is achieved through three different cases that have to be tackled. One of these cases is the Flowgraphs case. A solution has to transform a Java code model into a simplified version and has to derive control and data flow. This paper presents the solution for this case using NMF Transformations as transformation engine.Comment: In Proceedings TTC 2013, arXiv:1311.753

An NMF solution for the Petri Nets to State Charts case study at the TTC 2013

Software systems are getting more and more complex. Model-driven engineering (MDE) offers ways to handle such increased complexity by lifting development to a higher level of abstraction. A key part in MDE are transformations that transform any given model into another. These transformations are used to generate all kinds of software artifacts from models. However, there is little consensus about the transformation tools. Thus, the Transformation Tool Contest (TTC) 2013 aims to compare different transformation engines. This is achieved through three different cases that have to be tackled. One of these cases is the Petri Net to State Chart case. A solution has to transform a Petri Net to a State Chart and has to derive a hierarchical structure within the State Chart. This paper presents the solution for this case using NMF Transformations as transformation engine.Comment: In Proceedings TTC 2013, arXiv:1311.7536. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1312.034

Configurable Software Performance Completions through Higher-Order Model Transformations

Chillies is a novel approach for variable model transformations closing the gap between abstract architecture models, used for performance prediction, and required low-level details. We enable variability of transformations using chain of generators based on the Higher-Order Transformation (HOT). HOTs target different goals, such as template instantiation or transformation composition. In addition, we discuss state-dependent behavior in prediction models and quality of model transformations

Computer Science for Everyone: Interdisciplinary Online Courses of RockStartIT

The RockStartIT initiative was explicitly designed to increase the representation of girls in STEM-related subjects, particularly the field of computer science (CS), by providing interdisciplinary courses that connect the subject matter to their interests and passions. The program has been successful in engaging a diverse group of high school students, encouraging them to explore CS through problem-solving skills in the areas of their choice. The program\u27s structure and approach have been instrumental in promoting interest in CS and increasing the understanding of the importance of using CS to solve real-world, interdisciplinary problems. The IDEA (Interdisciplinary, Diverse, Exploratory, and Active) approach of RockStartIT provides alternative pathways into the field of CS by building on the individual interests of diverse students, which would not have been possible without the interdisciplinary approach

RockStartIT: Authentic and Inclusive Interdisciplinary Software Engineering Courses

The RockStartIT initiative was specifically designed to increase the representation of girls in software engineering (SE) by providing interdisciplinary courses that connect the subject matter to their interests and passions. The program has been successful in engaging a diverse group of high school students, encouraging them to explore computer science (CS) through problem-solving in the areas of their choice. The program\u27s structure and approach have been instrumental in promoting interest in CS and increasing the understanding of the importance of using CS to solve real-world, interdisciplinary problems. The results of surveys conducted with program participants have shown that the program has been successful in providing girls with an alternative pathway into the field of computer science by building on their individual interests, which would not have been possible without the interdisciplinary approach

Exploring Effects of Online and Face-to-Face Teaching Formats on Students\u27 Interest and Engagement

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for flexible teaching formats, particularly online education, as an alternative to traditional face-to-face (F2F) education. This study investigates the impact of teaching format (online vs. F2F) on secondary school students\u27 interest and engagement. We conducted an exploratory analysis of survey data from 16 workshops (F2F: 12, online: 4) held between January and December 2022, with 129 participants completing the survey (F2F: 76, online: 53, age: 10-16). All workshops covered the same learning topics, provided by online courses developed to raise interest in computer science (CS). Our findings show that the teaching format had a negligible effect on interest development. Still, students in the F2F setting showed higher engagement levels than those in the online setting. Additionally, an analysis of the effect of age indicates that younger students are more engaged in online settings than their older peers. We also found indications for longer-running programs having a greater effect on personal interest development compared to one-day programs. This paper discusses the results and identifies implications for teaching practice and future research. Overall, the study highlights the need to balance the advantages and limitations of both teaching formats and suggests potential strategies to improve online engagement

Exploring Effects of Online and Face-to-Face Teaching Formats on Students\u27 Interest and Engagement

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for flexible teaching formats, particularly online education, as an alternative to traditional face-to-face (F2F) education. This study investigates the impact of teaching format (online vs. F2F) on secondary school students\u27 interest and engagement. We conducted an exploratory analysis of survey data from 16 workshops (F2F: 12, online: 4) held between January and December 2022, with 129 participants completing the survey (F2F: 76, online: 53, age: 10-16). All workshops covered the same learning topics, provided by online courses developed to raise interest in computer science (CS). Our findings show that the teaching format had a negligible effect on interest development. Still, students in the F2F setting showed higher engagement levels than those in the online setting. Additionally, an analysis of the effect of age indicates that younger students are more engaged in online settings than their older peers. We also found indications for longer-running programs having a greater effect on personal interest development compared to one-day programs. This paper discusses the results and identifies implications for teaching practice and future research. Overall, the study highlights the need to balance the advantages and limitations of both teaching formats and suggests potential strategies to improve online engagement

Frustrations Steering Women away from Software Engineering

Why do women choose particular interests, study programs and careers as alternative to software engineering? What are the triggers and benefits of these alternatives that software engineering is lacking? In this article, we share findings from a questionnaire study of 139 adult women, revealing the frustrations that women feel along their way to software engineering, whether they have stayed in, or have dropped out and are trying to re-establish the connection later. After identifying the frustrations, which all seem to be preventable, this article pinpoints the most promising solutions, such as the interdisciplinary approach to education, which could be of enormous help to girls’ retention in computing education

Saving Bees with Computer Science: a Way to Spark Enthusiasm and Interest through Interdisciplinary Online Courses

In computer science education (CSEd) it is a well-known challenge to create learning environments in which everyone can experience equal opportunities to identify themselves with the subject, get involved, and feel engaged. Especially for underrepresented groups such as girls or not computer enthusiasts, CSEd seems to lack sufficient opportunities at its current state. In this paper, we present a novel approach of using interdisciplinary online courses in the context of bee mortality and discuss the possibilities of such courses to enhance diverse learning in CSEd. We report summarized findings from a one-year period, including 16 workshops where over 160 secondary school students (aged 10-16) have participated in our online courses. Pre-test-post-test surveys have been conducted to gain insights into students\u27 perceptions and attitude changes. The results show the potential of such interdisciplinary approaches to spark interest in computer science (CS) and to rise positive feelings toward programming. Particularly striking are the results from differentiated analyses of students grouped by characteristics such as low initial self-efficacy, coding aversion, or less computer affinity. We found multiple significant effects of our courses to impact students of those groups positively. Our results clearly indicate the potential of interdisciplinary CSEd to address a more diverse audience, especially traditionally underrepresented groups

RockStartIT: Authentic and Inclusive Interdisciplinary Software Engineering Courses

The RockStartIT initiative was specifically designed to increase the representation of girls in software engineering (SE) by providing interdisciplinary courses that connect the subject matter to their interests and passions. The program has been successful in engaging a diverse group of high school students, encouraging them to explore computer science (CS) through problem-solving in the areas of their choice. The program\u27s structure and approach have been instrumental in promoting interest in CS and increasing the understanding of the importance of using CS to solve real-world, interdisciplinary problems. The results of surveys conducted with program participants have shown that the program has been successful in providing girls with an alternative pathway into the field of computer science by building on their individual interests, which would not have been possible without the interdisciplinary approach