Teaching object technology

Abstract

Since 1986 I have hardly spent a month without teaching at least one object technology class, to groups large and small. I draw from this experience to suggest a few rules for effective object training in industrial environments. A mOOzak effect is caused by the omnipresence of OO this and OO that in the computer press. The words flow so continuously as to cause a general dilution of the concepts. The words are familiar, but are the concepts understood? Often they are not. The trainer must convince the trainees that they do not yet know everything, because no one can learn a subject he thinks he already knows. The only strategy guaranteed to overcome the mOOzak effect is to present the initial training course; have the students try their hand at OO development; and present the initial training course. Initial training should focus on implementation and design. Do not limit yourself to introductory courses, however. Reserve at least 50 percent of your training budget for advanced courses. Finally, do not train developers only. A training curriculum should include courses for managers as well as software developers.