Place and role of computer-aided design and development of information systems technologies in the training of a bachelor of applied informatics

Abstract

Training of future bachelors of applied informatics in technologies of computer-aided design and development of information systems (case technologies); students' possession of such technologies for solving professional problems is one of the actively developing fields of computer science and information technology in higher education. This position determines the subject of research and experimental work. Systemic and structural-functional analysis (diagram techniques: IDEF0, Cause and Effect Diagram - “Ishikawa diagram”, etc.), mental mapping, methods and technologies for the arrangement of educational and extracurricular activities (project method; webinars, distance learning technologies, olympiads), the method of pedagogical experiment (about 260 students of Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University, specialty “Applied Informatics”; 2017-2019 academic year took part in the research) were used as the research methods. MS Visio, CA ERwin Process Modeler, Ramus Educational Community Edition, etc. were used as the analysis tools. As part of the first task, the publications of practical scientists on the appropriateness of the use of case technologies and the problems that arise in this connection were analyzed. The terminological field of the term “case technology” (Computer-Aided Software Engineering), the current problems and prospects for the development of these technologies were defined in the form of a mental map. The solution found as part of the second task determined the range of subjects in the training of bachelors of applied informatics, within which according to professional standards, it is advisable to develop the level of proficiency in case technologies. These included the following subjects: Methodologies and Tools for Modeling and Analysis of Business Processes, IP Design, Software Engineering, Implementation, Maintenance and Adaptation of IP. The methodological aspect of solving the problem of the formation and development of a number of labor functions related directly to the competent use of automated technologies for creating information systems was presented, which is not only advisable in the subjects of basic training of applied informatics bachelors but also is a necessary condition for their professional development. The result of the third task was the map of the implementation of labor functions, developed based on analysis of the “System Analyst” and “Information Systems Specialist” professional standards, related to the development of case technologies in the subjects studied within training of a bachelor of applied computer science and giving a general methodological picture of solving the research problem. The fourth task was solved in the course of experimental work, which was carried out in the framework of the disciplines and in the process of preparing term papers, as well as in organizing and conducting the Universiade “Path to Success” in the specialty “Applied Informatics in Economics”. The results of the experiment led to the conclusion about the positive dynamics of the development of labor functions associated with case technologies in the preparation of bachelors of applied informatics. This confirms the viability of the proposed methodological support.