ERIC Number: EJ1125924
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Jun
Pages: 30
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-2395
EISSN: N/A
A Comparison of Learning Technologies for Teaching Spacecraft Software Development
Straub, Jeremy
Journal of Educational Technology Systems, v42 n4 p417-446 Jun 2014
The development of software for spacecraft represents a particular challenge and is, in many ways, a worst case scenario from a design perspective. Spacecraft software must be "bulletproof" and operate for extended periods of time without user intervention. If the software fails, it cannot be manually serviced. Software failure may result in mission degradation or complete spacecraft loss. This article considers how learning technologies can be used to aid student understanding of spacecraft software design, to facilitate the creation of better spacecraft software. It presents a framework for comparing spacecraft software development learning technologies. It then evaluates and compares five prospective learning technologies based on this framework. The areas that each learning technology is particularly well suited for are presented and discussed.
Descriptors: Comparative Analysis, Computer Software, Computer Science Education, Educational Technology, Teaching Methods, Space Exploration, Space Sciences, Guidelines, Computer Security, Experiential Learning, Educational Benefits, Problem Based Learning, Costs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: EPS814442