Task-list manager - a CS2 lab on advanced graphical user interface and data structures

Abstract

A lab assignment for CS2 students, first time in a team environment, to design and implement a task-list manager with advanced graphical user interface in two one-hour labs has been well received. Students had studied list and binary search tree implementations and Java I/O but with minimal knowledge of graphical user interface. A student acted as the system architect providing Unified Modeling Language diagrams for design. The Task-List Manager consists of a split-pane on the left side containing a tree (for task-list creation and selection), the right side containing another splitpane with a table (containing the tasks in the selected task-list) in the top side, and a text pane in the bottom for detailed notes of the selected task. Students were required to look up the Java documentation for appropriate classes. The tree may contain folders with nested folders and task-lists with layout adjustable with drag-and-drop. A right click on any folder or task-list produces a popup menu with editing options. Based on student feedback, the success stems from creating a practical product and learning through independently investigating the Java documentation for data structure and graphical user interface classes and hands-on software development in a team environment.