UML-IT: an ITS to teach multiple modelling tasks

Abstract

Modelling software systems using Unified Modelling Language (UML) is a core skill expected from a software engineer. This involves modelling a software system using multiple diagrams. Students find it very difficult to develop this skill due to the open-ended nature of this task: the final outcome is defined in abstract terms but there is no well-defined procedure to achieve the outcome. Students also find it difficult to understand the different modelling conventions used to represent multiple perspectives of a particular system and the consistencies need to be maintained between these diagrams. We believe an ITS that teaches these multiple modelling tasks will be able to support learners to develop the skill of UML modeling efficiently and effectively.