Transitioning a Project-Based Course between Onsite and Online. An Experience Report

TL;DR

This paper investigates the challenges and benefits of transitioning a project-based software engineering course from onsite to online and back, based on student feedback over four iterations, highlighting technical and organizational issues.

Contribution

It provides insights into effective online collaboration strategies and offers actionable recommendations for integrating online elements into face-to-face courses.

Findings

Technical challenges persist in online courses.

Time management is significantly affected by online transition.

Collaborative tools improve team communication and organization.

Abstract

We present an investigation regarding the challenges faced by student teams across four consecutive iterations of a team-focused, project-based course in software engineering. The studied period includes the switch to fully online activities in the spring of 2020, and covers the return to face-to-face teaching two years later. We cover the feedback provided by over 1,500 students, collected in a free-text form on the basis of a survey. A qualitative research method was utilized to discern and examine the challenges and perceived benefits of a course that was conducted entirely online. We show that technical challenges remain a constant in project-based courses, with time management being the most affected by the move to online. Students reported that the effective use of collaborative tools eased team organization and communication while online. We conclude by providing a number of action points regarding the integration of online activities in face-to-face course unfolding related to project management, communication tools, the importance of teamwork, and of active mentor participation.