Bloodshot eyes: workload issues in computer science project courses

Abstract

Workload issues in computer science project courses are addressed. We briefly discuss why high workloads occur in project courses and the reasons they are a problem. We then describe some course changes we made to reduce the workload in a software engineering project course, without compromising course quality. The techniques include: adopting an iterative and incremental process, reducing the requirements for writing documents, and gathering accurate data on time spent on various activities. We conclude by assessing the techniques, providing good evidence for a dramatic change in the workload, and an increase in student satisfaction levels. We provide some evidence, and an argument, that learning has not been affected by the changes.