Publication Type
Conference Proceeding Article
Version
acceptedVersion
Publication Date
4-2025
Abstract
Universities are increasingly integrating real-world projects into software engineering curricula to preparestudents for careers involving complex concepts like Microservices Architecture (MSA). Students frequentlystruggle with such concepts within limited class time and turn to various search tools and online resources for additional help. Search tools are also widely used in the software development industry. While search engines, like Google and Yahoo!, can provide quick solutions, they pose the risk of information overload. Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, offer the advantage of delivering more precise answers. Studies have shown that LLMs can comprehend codes, assist in system architectural design, and suggest solutions, potentially enhancing the learning experience for students. This study aims to determine how students make use of search tools for their team projects in a software development course that teaches MSA. It will also explore if search tools can enhance learning in team projects by facilitating collaborative, peer, and self directed learning, and propose methods to address any limitations.
Keywords
Software Development, Microservices Architecture, Search Engines, Large Language Models, Collaborative Learning, Peer Learning, Self-Directed Learning.
Discipline
Databases and Information Systems | Software Engineering
Research Areas
Information Systems and Management
Publication
Proceedings of the CSEDU 2025: 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education, Porto, Portugal, April 1-3
First Page
1
Last Page
11
Publisher
SCITEPRESS Digital Library
City or Country
Portugal
Citation
LAU, Yi Meng; KOH, Christian Michael; and JIANG, Lingxiao.
Use of search tools in software development: A study of microservice-based team projects. (2025). Proceedings of the CSEDU 2025: 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education, Porto, Portugal, April 1-3. 1-11.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sis_research/10140
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