Applying instructional systems development to software maintenance education

Instructional systems development (ISD) has proved to be effective for developing software maintenance education courses. The process of ISD involves the establishment of specific performance objectives which are addressed through classroom instruction and laboratory experience. Students graduate when they are able to pass stringent tests against the established objectives. ISD incorporates the following five stages: analyze system requirements; define education or training requirements; develop objectives and tests; plan, develop, and validate instruction; and conduct and evaluate instruction. Progressing through these stages ensures that an effective course of instruction is in place. An example is presented of the application of ISD