BakeRE

1. What is BakeRE?

BakeRE is a serious educational game designed to make learning requirements engineering engaging and fun. Traditionally, learning requirements notations can be a tedious task, but BakeRE offers an alternative approach. It is a multilevel puzzle game that focuses on the specification and analysis of requirements using user stories. This game has been created as part of a Utrecht University Business Informatics master thesis project and will be used in the RE course in 2019.

The Problem with Traditional Learning Methods

Learning requirements notations can be a daunting task for many people. The traditional methods used to teach this subject often lack engagement and fail to capture the interest of learners. This can result in a lack of motivation and comprehension, making it difficult for students to grasp the concepts and apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.

The Solution: BakeRE

BakeRE aims to revolutionize the way requirements engineering is taught by introducing a serious educational game. By incorporating gamification elements, BakeRE transforms the learning experience into an engaging and interactive process. Through the use of puzzles and user stories, students can navigate through different levels and effectively learn the skills required for requirements engineering.

2. How Does BakeRE Work?

A Multilevel Puzzle Game

BakeRE is structured as a multilevel puzzle game, where each level presents a unique challenge related to requirements engineering. The game includes a variety of puzzles that require players to analyze and create user stories, enhancing their understanding of requirements specification and analysis.

Learning Objectives

BakeRE is designed to address specific learning objectives related to requirements engineering. By playing the game, students will develop skills in:

1. Specification and analysis of requirements using user stories.
2. Creating effective user stories that capture the needs of stakeholders.
3. Identifying and resolving potential conflicts or ambiguities in requirements.
4. Understanding the importance of clear and concise communication in requirements engineering.

Complementary to Courses

BakeRE serves as a complementary tool to traditional or online software engineering courses. It can be integrated into both general software engineering courses and specialized requirements engineering courses. By offering a hands-on and immersive learning experience, BakeRE enhances students’ understanding of requirements engineering concepts and their ability to apply them in practice.

3. Who Can Benefit from BakeRE?

Students

BakeRE is primarily designed for students studying software engineering or business informatics. It offers a unique and engaging way to learn and practice requirements engineering skills. By playing the game, students can improve their understanding of requirements engineering concepts and develop practical skills that will benefit them in their future careers.

Professionals

Professionals in the field of software engineering or business informatics can also benefit from BakeRE. It provides an opportunity for continuous learning and skill development in requirements engineering. By using the game as a practice tool, professionals can enhance their abilities to effectively analyze and specify requirements, leading to improved project outcomes.

Educators

Educators teaching software engineering or requirements engineering courses can incorporate BakeRE into their curriculum to enhance the learning experience for their students. By introducing a gamified approach to learning, educators can increase student engagement and motivation, resulting in improved knowledge retention and application of concepts.

4. Where Can BakeRE Be Used?

In Educational Institutions

BakeRE can be used in educational institutions, such as universities and colleges, as part of software engineering or business informatics courses. It can be integrated into the curriculum as a supplemental tool to enhance students’ understanding of requirements engineering and provide them with a practical application of the concepts learned in class.

Online Learning Platforms

BakeRE can also be utilized on online learning platforms, allowing students to access the game remotely and at their own pace. This flexibility makes it suitable for distance learning programs or self-paced learning environments. By incorporating BakeRE into online platforms, educators can create a dynamic and interactive learning experience for their students.

Professional Development Programs

Professional development programs for software engineers or business informatics professionals can incorporate BakeRE as a training tool. By using the game, professionals can improve their requirements engineering skills, ensuring they stay up-to-date with industry best practices and enhance their job performance.

5. Why Should You Use BakeRE?

Engaging and Fun Learning Experience

BakeRE offers a unique and engaging learning experience through its gamified approach. By transforming the learning process into a game, students are motivated to actively participate and learn requirements engineering concepts in a fun and interactive way. This enhances knowledge retention and improves the application of skills in real-world scenarios.

Practical Application of Concepts

BakeRE provides students with an opportunity to apply the concepts they learn in class to practical scenarios. By solving puzzles and creating user stories, students gain hands-on experience in requirements specification and analysis. This practical application helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Complements Traditional Teaching Methods

BakeRE serves as a complementary tool to traditional teaching methods. It can be used alongside lectures, readings, and discussions to enhance students’ understanding of requirements engineering. By incorporating BakeRE into the curriculum, educators can create a well-rounded learning experience that caters to different learning styles and preferences.

Improves Collaboration and Communication Skills

Requirements engineering involves collaboration and communication with various stakeholders. BakeRE helps students develop these essential skills by simulating real-world scenarios where clear and concise communication is crucial. By working through the puzzles and creating user stories, students learn how to effectively communicate requirements and address potential conflicts or ambiguities.

6. How Can You Get BakeRE?

Utrecht University Business Informatics Program

BakeRE has been developed as part of a Utrecht University Business Informatics master thesis project. It will be used as a part of the requirements engineering course at Utrecht University in 2019. Students enrolled in this program will have access to BakeRE through their course materials and can benefit from its educational features.

Online Platforms

BakeRE may also be available on online platforms or app stores, allowing students and professionals to download and use the game for self-paced learning or professional development. These platforms provide easy access to BakeRE, making it accessible to a wider audience and enabling individuals to enhance their requirements engineering skills at their own convenience.

Conclusion

BakeRE is a serious educational game that revolutionizes the way requirements engineering is taught. By incorporating gamification elements, BakeRE offers an engaging and interactive learning experience for students. It complements traditional teaching methods, enhances collaboration and communication skills, and provides practical application of requirements engineering concepts. Whether you are a student, professional, or educator, BakeRE can help you improve your requirements engineering skills and excel in your field.