Choice of a visual programming language in a level 3 introductory computing course

In the level 3 module "Introduction to Computing Technology", the assignment asked students to implement a control program displaying random numbers in a diode display. Students could choose to implement in one of two visual programming languages: Logicator Flowchart (LF) or PICAXE Blocky (PB). LF is a logical representation of a program's execution, whereas PB is a graphical representation of program code. In addition to the program, students were asked to explain their choice and discuss their experience in a report. This poster describes the thinking behind creating the assignment in this way, elaborates on encountered difficulties, and discusses output, feedback and views of the students as expressed in their submission and their report

Empirically researching development of international software

Software localization is an important process for international acceptance of software products. This empirical software engineering research examines the interplay of software development and software localization by gathering and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from professionals to characterize issues and inform practice

An empirical examination of interdisciplinary collaboration within the practice of localisation and development of international software

Acceptance on international markets is an important selling proposition for software products and a key to new markets. The adaptation of software products for specific markets is called software localisation. Practitioner reports and research suggests that activities of developers and translators do not mesh seamlessly, leading to problems such as disproportionate cost, lack of quality, and delayed product release. Yet, there is little research on localisation as a comprehensive activity and its human factors. This thesis examines how software localisation is handled in practice, how the localisation process is integrated into development, and how software developers and localisers work individually and collaboratively on international software. The research aims to understand how localisation issues around the above-mentioned classifications of cost, quality and time issues are caused. Qualitative and quantitative data is gathered through semi-structured interviews and an online survey. The interviews focused on the individual experiences of localisation and development professionals in a range of relevant roles. The online survey measured cultural competence, attitude towards and self-efficacy in localisation, and properties of localisation projects. Interviews were conducted and analysed following Straussian Grounded Theory. The survey was statistically analysed to test a number of hypotheses regarding differences between localisers and developers, as well as relationships between project properties and software quality. Results suggest gaps in knowledge, procedure and motivation between developers and translators, as well as a lack of cross-disciplinary knowledge and coordination. Further, a grounded theory of interdisciplinary collaboration in software localisation explains how collaboration strategies and conflicts reciprocally affect each other and are affected by external influences. A number of statistically significant differences between developers and localisers and the relevance of certain project properties to localisation were confirmed. The findings give new insights into interdisciplinary issues in the development of international software and suggest new ways to handle interdisciplinary collaboration in general

Agile culture clash: localisation issues in modern software development

Modern software development is expected to be both flexible and efficient despite continuously increasing project complexity. Partly in response to these requirements, agile software development models have become more and more popular. The integration of localization in agile software development, however, leads to a number of conflicts. Translation work is expensive and time-consuming. Usually, neither qualified native nor second-language speakers are available to assist or test during development. The localization efforts are outsourced to external translators. As a consequence, a number of important questions arise: How can linguistic and cultural knowledge be communicated for consideration in agile development? How can the need for deadlines be aligned with a desire for agility? How can external dependencies such as translators be integrated seamlessly? In this poster, we explore these issues and questions. In order to hint at the wide range of possible issues, a sample of common localization problems are shown and the challenges of dealing with them during agile development are outlined

Comparison of two computer-assisted grading approaches

This research compared efficiency and effectiveness of rubric- and comment-based marking and feedback in an online submission system. Two comparable assignments of a computer science module were graded by two tutors. Feedback was provided through BlackBoard rubrics for the first and TurnItIn QuickMark for the second assignment. Semi-structured interviews about marking experience and feedback quality were conducted with tutors and students and analysed for common themes. Results show that tutors found rubric marking easier and more effective, while students emphasized the importance of general feedback quality, specifically constructiveness, without showing a preference for either format

Decoding software localisation practice

Software localisation, the adaptation of software products for different languages, cultures and markets, is an important activity for international software. However, reports suggests that work of developers and translators does not mesh seamlessly, causing disproportionate cost, lack of quality, and delayed product release. Yet there is little research on localisation or its human factors. This research examines the causes of localisation issues by analysing qualitative data about the collaboration between development and translation. Semi-structured interviews with professionals in various roles were analysed towards a grounded theory of interdisciplinary collaboration in software localisation, explaining how collaboration strategies and conflicts reciprocally affect each other and are affected by external influences. Results suggest gaps in knowledge, procedure and motivation between developers and translators, as well as a lack of cross-disciplinary knowledge and coordination

Towards an empirical understanding of end users’ application of 3D-printing

3D printing (3DP) is an exciting technology offering a number of advantages over conventional manufacturing processes. While 3DP technology is already applied in production, 3DP device manufacturers and service providers are further trying to place products in the market aimed at the consumer. The assumption of a consumer embrace of 3DP also serves as basis for several research studies aiming to guide 3DP into the future, for example by developing new data formats or template editing paradigms. However, many of these efforts seem to be based on empirically unproven assumptions regarding future end-user adoption of 3DP. For example, it is widely implied that the primary attraction of 3DP to consumers is its ability to customise or individualise products. This research aims to establish a more empirically grounded expectation of what end users will see in 3DP technology and how they will use it. This poster will outline initial work on devising a research method to that end

Of code and context: collaboration between developers and translators

Software for international markets often requires cultural adaption, done by developers and translators internationalizing and localizing the product. This poster contrasts differences in work, education and values, and illustrates other important factors with an impact on collaboration. Results suggest an improvement of collaboration by integrating translators into development, and by understanding each other’s work better

Towards the use of CBR in clearing

In the British higher education economy, special significance falls to allocation of study places to applying students. Universities may need to decide on short notice about offering study places to prospective student based on limited information. In this paper, we propose to use a case-based reasoning system to assist administrative staff with this decision. We will analyse the factors based on which subject specialists decide on offering study places to at a university and argue that a case-based reasoning system is in principle able to make a recommendation. We deem CBR as a useful AI-technique for this purpose, especially so as CBR allows to use the normally complex and partly unstructured data involved in the decision making process, following the principles of the experience web as well as experience management in partly unstructured data

Towards the use of CBR in clearing

In the British higher education economy, special significance falls to allocation of study places to applying students. Universities may need to decide on short notice about offering study places to prospective student based on limited information. In this paper, we propose to use a case-based reasoning system to assist administrative staff with this decision. We will analyse the factors based on which subject specialists decide on offering study places to at a university and argue that a case-based reasoning system is in principle able to make a recommendation. We deem CBR as a useful AI-technique for this purpose, especially so as CBR allows to use the normally complex and partly unstructured data involved in the decision making process, following the principles of the experience web as well as experience management in partly unstructured data