Abstract:

This article describes a project-based learning (PBL) approach applied to the course Data Structures and Programming taught in Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University. PBL is a component of a larger and integral approach that includes teaching through lectures and seminars.
The article argues the motivation behind using PBL. The context of the PBL approach used for the course is presented, as well as its integration with the other components of teaching.
The process of formulating the project requirements regarding its contents, which the PBL implementing lecturer/tutor goes through, is described and illustrated.
The proposed PBL is based on group projects with medium development timelines. The main phases of projects development are also presented. Sample project descriptions in terms of subject are given, as well as a detailed description of the implementation.
The feedback collected at the end of the course is presented. Conclusions are drawn as a result of the analysis of the PBL introduction during the carried out experiment, and further improvements for next-year run are proposed.
Special attention is paid to the realization of the specific cloud computing application in student project management. The goal of this application is to support both students and tutors/lecturers. It will allow for optimization of processes such as project design by a tutor/lecturer, project delivery to the student, control and management of the work on the project, project submission by the student team, tutors and teams communication, and project assessment. The article justifies the use of cloud computing in training software specialists in Data Structure and Programming via the PBL approach.

Keywords:

Project-Based Learning, University Programming Course, Cloud Computing, Software Professionals Teaching.