Wizards and generators in teaching information technologies to students of engineering

Abstract

Websites and web applications are commonly used to disseminate data, which often include a spatial reference. The presentation of such data on websites usually takes a tabular form (i.e. text) or a graphic form - for instance, infographics, geo-graphic, interactive charts, diagrams or maps. These presentations are usually created using API frameworks or programming interfaces. At the same time, wizards and generators are developed and shared that allow non-specialized users to create website components. They can be used in the education in the IT field within engineering curricula. The aim of the present work was to conduct a comparative analysis of selected tools that automate the creation of website components in the form of interactive data visualizations, followed by an assessment of their usefulness in teaching the subject of “Information Technologies” within engineering study majors. Selected website generators have been evaluated, which are available in the form of web applications, and the operation of which is based on a graphical user interface. The assessment was made possible via exploratory tests involving the report on the observations made during the creation of model website components. In conclusion, it was shown that website wizards and generators can find application in teaching within the framework of engineering studies, as teaching aids. Students using website wizards and generators not only gain the ability to use specific tools, but they also learn about the many design techniques that accompany these tools. At the same time, the students are becoming familiar with the field-specific terminology.