Applying Online Learning in Software Engineering Education

Software Engineering education involves two learning aspects: (1) teaching theoretical material and (2) conducting the practical labs. Currently, Software Engineering education faces a challenge, which comes from the new learning opportunities afforded by the Web technologies. Delivering a Software Engineering curriculum by online distance learning requires innovative and flexible approaches to present and manage the theoretical and practical learning materials. E-Learning could support Software Engineering education through utilizing special e-Learning concepts, techniques, and tools. E-Learning could also change the mode of teaching from knowledge-as-transmission to knowledge-as-construction. This is called “Software Engineering e-Learning.” This chapter provides a review on Software Engineering education and e-Learning technology. It explores the need to adopt a Software Engineering e-Learning model to help the facilitators/instructors prepare and manage the online Software Engineering courses. This chapter also addresses how e-Learning environment could simplify the application of the constructivist learning model towards Software Engineering education.