Educational methods for software and systems development

The paper is based on applying the goals of software and systems engineering curriculum as a part of learning and teaching for an academic degree. The paper also relates to contributions of some of Harlan D. Mills award recipients for software engineering achievement, to address the needs to: i) improve the engineering education in an academic setting, and ii) develop real-life software and system projects. In particular we present the experience of using theory and practice of software engineering education focusing on model and Web based software and systems development from both academic and real life perspective. Hybrid educational methods are applied for student learning that combine class room approach of teaching fundamental theoretical concepts and practice via real world complex projects embedding intelligence in software and systems products. System thinking demanded by modern design philosophies is applied to interlink products, software, and people. Student groups are developing their projects in an interactive and collaborative manner.