Skip to main content

Understanding Non-functional Requirements for Precollege Engineering Technologies

  • Chapter
Innovative Technologies in Management and Science

Part of the book series: Topics in Intelligent Engineering and Informatics ((TIEI,volume 10))

Abstract

The design of accessible learning technologies for precollege engineering education is a multi-faceted problem that must take into account a multitude of physical, social, and environmental factors. Using literature reviews and assessment by a participant observer during an 18-hour intervention with a local middle school, we propose that the elicitation of non-functional requirements for precollege learning technologies can be better understood by dividing schools in clusters which share similar resources and constraints. Developers can utilize the proposed scheme as a means to establish minimal criteria that learning technologies must satisfice to be viable for adoption by a wider range of users and better meet the needs and priorities of students and educators.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Bangor, A., Kortum, P., Miller, J.: An Empirical Evaluation of the System Usability Scale. Journal of Human-Computer Interaction 24(6), 574–594 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Beggs, T.A.: Influences and Barriers to the Adoption of Instructional Technology. In: Proceedings of the Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference, Murfreesboro, TN (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Behkamal, B., Kahani, M., Kazem Akbari, M.: Customizing ISO 9126 quality model for evaluation of B2B applications. Information and Software Technology (51), 599-609 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bennet, S., Maton, K., Kermit, L.: The ‘digital natives’ debate: a critical review of the evidence. British Journal of Educational Technology (39), 775–786 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bevan, N.: Measuring usability as quality of use. Software Quality Journal (4), 115–150 (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Bevan, N.: Quality in Use: Meeting User Needs for Quality. Journal of Systems and Software (49), 89–96 (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Blumenfeld, P., Fishman, B., Krajcik, J., Marx, R.W., Solloway, E.: Creating Usable Innovations in Systemic Reform: Scaling Up Technology-Embedded Project-Based Science in Urban Schools. Educational Psychology 35(3), 149–164 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Brooke, J.: SUS: A ‘quick and dirty’ usability scale, Usability Evaluation in Industry. Taylor and Francis, London (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Butler, D., Sellbom, M.: Barriers to Adoption Technology for Teaching and Learning. Education Quarterly 25(2), 22–28 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Robotics Academy, Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy (2010), http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu

  11. Chua, B., Dyson, L.: Applying the ISO9126 model to the evaluation of an e-learning system. In: Proceedings of the Australian Society for Computers in Learning Tertiary Education (ASCILITE) Conference, Perth, Australia, pp. 184–190 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Cohen, D., Ball, D.: Educational innovation and the problem of scale. In: Scale-Up In Education: Ideas In Principle. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Lanham (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  13. National Research Council, A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Creswell, J.W., Plano Clark, V.L.: Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research, 2nd edn. SAGE Publications Inc., Thousand Oaks (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Cuban, L., Kirkpatrick, H., Peck, C.: High Access and Low Use of Technologies in High School Classrooms: Explaining an Apparent Paradox. American Educational Research Journal 38(4), 813–834 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Douglas, S., Christensen, M., Orsak, G.: Designing Pre-College Engineering Curricula and Technology: Lessons Learned from the Infinity Project. Proceedings of the IEEE 96(6), 1035–1048 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Earle, R.: The Integration of Instructional Technology into Public Education: Promises and Challenges. ET Magazine 42(1), 5–13 (2002), http://bookstoread.com/etp/earle.pdf (retrieved June 24, 2012)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Ertmer, P., Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A.: Teacher Technology Change: How Knowledge, Confidence, Beliefs and Culture Intersect. Journal of Research on Technology in Education 42(3), 255–284 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Ferguson, E.: Engineering and the Mind’s Eye. MIT Press (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Fishman, B., Marx, R., Blumenfeld, P., Krajcik, J.: Creating a Framework for Research on Systematic Technology Innovations. The Journal of the Learning Sciences 13(1), 43–76 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Hew, K.F., Brush, T.: Integrating Technology into K-12 Teaching and Learning: Current Knowledge Gaps and Recommendations for Future Research. Educational Technology Research Development (55), 223–252 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Foster, P.N.: The Relationship Among Science, Technology and Engineering in K-12 Education. Connecticut Journal of Science Education (42), 48–53 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Gary, L., Thomas, N., Lewis, L.: Educational Technologies in USA public schools: Fall 2008. U.S. Dept. of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, NCES 2010-034 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Gaver, W.: Technology Affordances. In: Proceedings of the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, New Orleans, LA, pp. 79–84 (1991)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Glinz, M.: On Non-Functional Requirements. In: Proceedings of the IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference, New Delhi, India, pp. 21–26 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Grace, J., Kenny, C.: A short review of information and communication technologies and basic education in LDCs- what is useful, what is sustainable? International Journal of Educational Development (23), 627–636 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Groves, M., Zemel, P.C.: Instructional Technology Adoption in Higher Education: an Action Research Case Study. International Journal of Instructional Media 27(1), 57–65 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  28. Hohlfeld, T., Ritzhaupt, A., Barron, A.E., Kemker, K.: Examining the Digital Divide in K-12 Public Schools: Four-year Trends for Supporting ITC Literacy in Florida. Computers and Education (51), 1648–1663 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Hornbaek, K.: Current practice in measuring usability: Challenges to usability studies and research. International Journal of Human Computer Studies (64 2, 79–102 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. ISO/IEC, F.C.D.: 9126-1, Software product quality - Part 1: Quality model (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  31. ISO 9241-11, Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) - Part 11 Guidance on usability (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Jorgensen, D.L.: Participant Observation: A Methodology for Human Studies. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks (1989)

    Google Scholar 

  33. Katehi, L., Pearson, G., Feder, M.: Engineering in K-12 Education, Understanding the Status and Improving the Prospects. The National Academies Press, Washington D.C. (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Kay, R., Knaack, L., Petrarca, D.: Exploring Teachers Perceptions of Web-based Learning Tools. Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects (5), 27–50 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G.: Computer Technology Integration and Student Learning: Barriers and Promise. Journal of Science Education and Technology 17(6), 560–565 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. K’NEX, The World’s Most Creative Construction and Building Toys (2012), http://www.knex.com

  37. Law, E.L.C.: The Measurability and Predictability of User Experience. In: Proceedings of the Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems, Pisa, Italy, pp. 1–10 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  38. van Lamsweerde, A.: Goal Oriented Requirements Engineering: A Guide Tour. In: Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Requirements Engineering, Toronto, Canada, pp. 249–261 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Lawson, A.: Teaching Inquiry Science in Middle and Secondary Schools. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  40. LEGO, LEGO Mindstorms (2011), http://mindstorms.lego.com

  41. Lu, S.C.Y.: Collective rationality of group decisions in collaborative engineering. International Journal of Collaborative Engineering 1(1-2), 38–74 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Margolis, J., Estrella, R., Goode, J., Jellison Holme, J., Nao, K.: Stuck in the Shallow End: Education, Race, and Computing. The MIT Press, Cambridge (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  43. Nuseibeh, B., Easterbrook, S.: Requirements engineering: a roadmap. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Software Engineering, Limerick, Ireland, pp. 35–46 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  44. Papert, S.: Mindstorms: Children, Computers, and Powerful Ideas. Basic Books, New York (1980)

    Google Scholar 

  45. Perraton, H., Creed, C.: Applying new technologies and cost-effective delivery systems in basic education. Education for All Secretariat, UNESCO, Paris (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  46. Peske, H.G., Haycock, K.: Teaching inequality: How poor and minority students are shortchanged on teacher quality. The Education Trust, Washington, D.C. (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  47. Phalke, A., Lysecky, S.: Adapting the eBlock Platform for Middle School STEM Projects: Initial Platform Usability Testing. IEEE Transaction on Learning Technologies 3(2), 152–164 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Prensky, M.: Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon 9(5), 1–6 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Resnick, M., Maloney, J., Monroy-Hernández, A., Rusk, N., Eastmond, E., Brennan, K., Millner, A., Rosenbaum, E., Silver, J., Silverman, B., Kafai, Y.: Scratch: Programming for all. Communications of the ACM 52(11), 60–67 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Riojas, M., Lysecky, S., Rozenblit, J.: Educational Technologies for Precollege Engineering Education. IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies 5(1), 20–37 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Rogers, P.L.: Barriers to Adopting Emerging Technologies in Education. Journal of Educational Computing Research 22(4), 455–472 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Sadler, P., Coyle, H., Schwartz, M.: Engineering Competitions in Middle School Classroom. Journal of the Learning Sciences 9(3), 299–327 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Seaman, C.B.: Qualitative Methods in Empirical Studies of Software Engineering. IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering 25(4), 557–572 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Sheppard, S., Colby, A., Matacangay, K., Sullivan, W.: What is Engineering Practice? International Journal for Engineering Education 22(3), 429–438 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  55. Sneed, H.N.: Software Engineering Management. Ellis Horwood, Chichester (1989)

    Google Scholar 

  56. Star, J.R.: On the Relationship Between Knowing and Doing in Procedural Learning. In: Proceedings of the Conference of the Learning Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, pp. 80–86 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  57. Velleman Inc., Running MicroBug (2011), http://www.vellemanusa.com

  58. Wilson, B., Sherry, L., et al.: Adoption of Learning Technologies in Schools and Universities. In: Handbook on Information Technonogies for Education and Training, pp. 293–308. Springer, New York (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  59. Wright, P., McCarthy, J.: Empathy and Experience in HCI. In: Proceedings of the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI), Florence, Italy, pp. 637–646 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  60. Zhao, Y., Frank, K.A.: Factors Affecting Technology Uses in Schools: An Ecological Perspective. American Educational Research Journal 40(4), 807–840 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mario Riojas .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Riojas, M., Lysecky, S., Rozenblit, J.W. (2015). Understanding Non-functional Requirements for Precollege Engineering Technologies. In: Klempous, R., Nikodem, J. (eds) Innovative Technologies in Management and Science. Topics in Intelligent Engineering and Informatics, vol 10. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12652-4_7

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12652-4_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-12651-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-12652-4

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics