Integrating Model-Based Verification into Software Design Education

Abstract

Proper design analysis is
indispensable to assure quality
and reduce emergent costs due
to faulty software. Teaching
proper design verification skills
early during pedagogical
development is crucial, as such
analysis is the only tractable way
of resolving software problems
early when they are easy to fix.
The premise of the presented
strategy is based on the
observation that fundamental
component of any engineering
curriculum is the use of formal
and sound techniques that
facilitate analysis of artifacts
produced by students. Yet,
fundamental roadblocks exist in
bringing the state of the art in
design analysis to the classroom
due to the steep learning curve
and quagmire of theoretical
details involved in formal
methods. This paper suggests a
strategy and tool support that
promotes the attainment of
design evaluation skills. We also
discuss how selective and
pragmatic application of formal
methods can be used in software
design education.