The KIVI Departments of Computer Science, Limburg and South, together with the Network of Women Engineers and the Open University, are joining forces for an inspiring ITXperience event on Saturday 25 November. The day starts at 10:30 am with a plenary Key Note by top female scientist Prof Tanja Vos, Professor of Software Engineering at the Open University as well as at the Polytechnic University of Valencia on a radically new method of Software Testing.

Abstract Tanja Vos: From Rational to Empirical - A paradigm shift in Software Testing Education

In the rapidly evolving world of software development, the role of software in our society is becoming increasingly prominent. As a result, the quality of software is becoming crucial. However, this quality is not always taken for granted. One of the most commonly used approaches to ensure quality is software testing. But unfortunately, many current computer science curricula fall short in training students to become competent testers.

In this keynote, we talk about the need for a paradigm shift in software testing education. The rational paradigm we currently use is based on reasoning and problem solving, where we start from a specification and start testing whether the software system meets that specification. However, those specifications are often absent, incomplete or unclear. This often leads to frustration and a sense of inconsistency among students. This ultimately contributes to a lack of motivation for testing and all the consequences that follow.

We need to start using the empirical design paradigm in education. The empirical paradigm sees testing as an experiment, where you will experimentally test whether a software system meets end-user expectations. Similar to how medical doctors diagnose. By approaching testing as a learning process where students formulate hypotheses and ask research questions, we can create a new generation of testers who are more flexible in dealing with unclear specifications and complex technologies.

And that is much needed, because with the rapid rise of AI and generative systems, clear specifications and quality characteristics are only becoming more the norm. Think of system properties like intelligence, responsiveness, explianability. These cannot all be clearly captured in unambiguous specifications, but will still need to be tested.

This keynote explores the benefits of the empirical approach and how it can be integrated into computer science curricula. We discuss the results of studies on sensemaking in test case design and how this has led to insights on effective software testing education.

The second plenary lecture (14:00-14:45) will be given by Stephanie Martin-LeSage, Principal at Valcon | CDO Advisory | Data Governance. She talks about the link between a scientific study and its application in practice, specifically when it comes to Data Governance Maturity. She also talks about how scientific research helps her in her daily work as a consultant.

From 11.20-13.00, the KIVI parallel session will take place, hosted by Ali Özbakir, postdoctoral fellow Computer Science Department Open University

Abstract Ali Özbakir: Smart Living - GO-Kit's Intelligent Solution for Sustainable Homes

GO-Kit is a smart home management system to help households reduce their carbon emissions by managing their energy use. The system focuses on two main areas: heating and power usage. To reduce gas usage for heating, GO-Kit uses a pre-heating and variable setback temperature schedule that maximises efficiency and reduces energy waste while maintaining comfort levels. For power usage, the system reduces both base and peak loads by turning off standby devices, lights in unoccupied rooms, and shifting energy usage to off-peak hours. These operations rely on sensing and forecasting the occupancy of the house and rooms. Therefore, GO-Kit also detects and predicts occupancy at the room level to inform energy management decisions and ensures seamless operation of the heating system.

Ali Özbakir is currently a postdoctoral fellow in Open University's Computer Science Department, having obtained his Ph.D. in Geophysics from Utrecht University. His expertise lies in data analysis, time-series forecasting, and the development of geohazard software. Beyond his professional commitments, Ali finds enjoyment in armchair mountaineering and contributes actively to volunteer projects that promote environmental conservation and outdoor exploration

There will be parallel sessions throughout the day, with KIVI Limburg organising a meeting together with the OU on the intersection of Computer Applications / AI and Sustainability. There are also lectures on Design Science, Man & Technology in Accounting, lunch break activities with Deepfake and augmented reality demos, information sessions from the various computer science and information science programmes of the Open University.

The day will end with a convivial drink. The complete programme can be found on the ITXperience day website.

Register via the registration form

Location details

The ITXperience day will take place at 1931 Congrescentrum 's-Hertogenbosch. Check the congress centre's website for current accessibility information. The venue is lift and wheelchair accessible.

From 's-Hertogenbosch Central Station: Congrescentrum 's-Hertogenbosch is about 10 minutes' walk from 's-Hertogenbosch Central Station. If you take the station exit 'Paleiskwartier/Brabanthallen' and turn right into Parallelweg, you will see the tower of the congress centre appear after about 10 minutes. This tower is also the main entrance.

By car: You can easily park your car in the congress centre's spacious car park. There are four electric charging points, located to the right of the entrance, next to the bicycle shed. Parking tickets (€10) can only be paid at the venue by PIN.