Design science research for learning software engineering and computational thinking: Four cases

Abstract

This study proposes design science research (DSR) as a relevant framework for computational thinking, software engineering, and science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics integration in higher education. We present four concrete case examples, where DSR has been applied in projects that consist of interdisciplinary teams, which learn by designing solutions for pressing real‐world problems. Our results show that DSR is a potent framework for learning to tackle pressing and wicked problems, and connecting technology projects with research methodology and knowledge from other fields. Our results also show multiple learning gains, including creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration. Based on our case analysis, we recommend more extensive use of DSR in future technology curricula.

Computing Education Research Compiled: Keyword Trends, Building Blocks, Creators, and Dissemination

“…This may make one wonder: why is CER so concentrated in first-year courses on introductory programming? A number of voices are stressing the importance of CER on topics such as machine learning [119]- [121], design research [109], [122], [123], and STEAM integration [124]- [126]. Indeed, while entire generations of people are growing up in the middle of machine learning (ML) systems, this development seems to have been given only minor attention in CER.…”

“…Other voices call for CER on rigorous pedagogies to add understanding of communities, habits, and cultures into the technology development process [109], [122], [123], [130]. Indeed, it has been argued that future crucial breakthroughs will increasingly not only be programming breakthroughs, but increasingly design breakthroughs [109], [122], [123], and that technology innovation requires practitioners wellversed in techno-solutionist methodologies, but increasingly also in social realities to a much larger extent than can be done with shallow methods of, e.g., user requirement definition [130]. While ML, design, and ethics have been niche areas in CER, their relevance is increasing rapidly.…”

Mindful Application of Digitalization for Sustainable Development: The Digitainability Assessment Framework

“…The scope of the DAF presented in this paper is to stimulate the assessment of the impact of DI on sustainable development, devising methodological agenda dedicated to evaluating the technical improvements required in the DI for being aligned with SDG indicators. Future empirical studies could utilize approaches such as design science research methodology [59] for going a step ahead and developing systematic evaluation frameworks for the improvement of DIs.The problemsolving paradigm of design science research inculcates the application of crucial dimensions discussed in this paper, such as context and stakeholders within design theories to realize the innovative artifacts for addressing real-world problems [128], offering guidelines for evaluation and iteration to improve the DIs for sustainable development.…”

Mindful Application of Digitalization for Sustainable Development: The Digitainability Assessment Framework

“…Future empirical studies could utilize approaches such as design science research methodology [59] for going a step ahead and developing systematic evaluation frameworks for the improvement of DIs. The problem-solving paradigm of design science research inculcates the application key critical dimensions discussed in this paper, such as context and stakeholders within design theories, to realize the innovative artifacts for addressing real-world problems [123], offering guidelines for evaluation and iteration for improvement in the DI systems for sustainable development.…”