Bridging the Gap in Software Engineering Education: Analyzing Learning Behaviors, Challenges, and Resource Effectiveness in Full-Stack Development

dc.contributor.authorRajeev, Swethaen
dc.contributor.committeechairBrown, Dwayne Christianen
dc.contributor.committeememberEmebo, Onyekaen
dc.contributor.committeememberSeyam, Mohammed Saad Mohamed Elmahdyen
dc.contributor.departmentComputer Science and#38; Applicationsen
dc.date.accessioned2025-06-03T08:02:55Zen
dc.date.available2025-06-03T08:02:55Zen
dc.date.issued2025-06-02en
dc.description.abstractIn the rapidly evolving field of software engineering, the proficiency with which develop- ers wield their tools significantly impacts their productivity and adaptability. Despite the critical role of these tools, there is a notable gap in research regarding the time investment required for learning them and the effectiveness of various learning resources. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the most commonly used full-stack development tools, quantifying the time developers dedicate to mastering these tools, and identifying the factors influencing their learning choices and durations. Through a comprehensive survey and analysis, we explore how developers and CS students discover new tools, decide which ones to learn, and the challenges they encounter during this process. We further evaluate the effectiveness of different learning resources, from formal education to self-directed online learning, in fostering tool proficiency. The findings aim to inform the development of a tar- geted curriculum that can equip engineers with the necessary skills more efficiently, thereby enhancing the overall quality of software engineering education and practice. Building on these insights, this research introduces "LearnMate," an interactive learning tool designed to provide curated learning paths, recommend efficient learning resources, and offer structured guidance tailored to different learning preferences. By leveraging survey findings, LearnMate aims to assist both students and professionals in acquiring proficiency with essential full- stack technologies in a structured and effective manner. This research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also serves as a practical guide for curriculum developers, educators, and practitioners in the software engineering domain. By combining the findings from the survey recommendations with an interactive learning tool, this study paves the way for more effective and efficient learning pathways in the ever-changing technological landscape, ultimately improving software engineering education and professional training.en
dc.description.abstractgeneralIn today's world, almost everything we do is supported by some form of digital technology, from the apps on our phones to the websites we browse daily. Behind these web applications and digital interfaces are full-stack developers — software engineers who work on both the front-end (the visible, user-facing part of a website or app) and the back-end (the server, database, and logic that make it function). These developers use specialized tools to build and improve digital experiences. However, selecting the right tools and learning to use them efficiently presents a significant challenge, as developers must navigate a vast and rapidly evolving technology landscape with limited guidance on which resources are most effective. Our research delves into the realm of full-stack development to identify the essential tools developers rely on, how much time they typically spend learning to use these tools effec- tively, and the factors influencing their learning decisions. We also explore the hurdles they face in this learning process and the resources they find most helpful, such as online courses, tutorials, or community forums. Beyond analyzing these challenges, this study leads to the development of a learning tool designed to assist developers in selecting the most effective resources and structuring their learning process. This tool will offer personalized learning paths based on individual needs and preferences, helping both students and professionals acquire full-stack development skills more efficiently. By understanding these aspects, we hope to make it easier for current and fu- ture software engineers to pick up the skills they need quickly and efficiently. Ultimately, our research contributes to making software education more accessible, structured, and aligned with industry needs, ensuring that the digital world continues to grow and improve in ways that benefit us all. This is not just about coding and programming; it's about understanding the backbone of our digital existence and ensuring that those who build it are well-equipped for the task.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:44248en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10919/134985en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectFull-stack developmenten
dc.subjectSoftware toolsen
dc.subjectLearning Resourcesen
dc.subjectCurriculum developmenten
dc.subjectSoftware engineering education.en
dc.titleBridging the Gap in Software Engineering Education: Analyzing Learning Behaviors, Challenges, and Resource Effectiveness in Full-Stack Developmenten
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineComputer Science & Applicationsen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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