Teaching Automation Before Test Plans? - Dmitrij Nikolajev

Engaging Students in Software Testing: From Test Automation to Motivation

"So we have automation classes where people need to test, students need to write automation scripts and that's how they got introduced to what is a test case. And you would have to automate it." - Dmitrij Nikolajev

In this episode, I talk with Dmitrij Nikolajev about teaching software testing to the next generation. Dmitrij, who balances roles at InSoft and Vilnius University, shares his approach to making software testing engaging for students. He focuses on practical, hands-on experience, using tools like Postman and Selenium to teach automation and performance testing. Dmitrij redesigned his course to appeal to both new learners and those already in the industry. He leverages real-world examples to highlight the importance of testing, encouraging students to understand the consequences of failures. We also talk about the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in the learning process and their impact on student progress.

Dmitrij Nikolajev has built his career in test automation, requirements engineering, and IT project management, with a proven track record in designing and managing mission-critical IT systems. Dmitrij serves as Head of Business Unit at Insoft, where he focuses on developing the professional skills of testing teams, ensuring the success of testing activities, and driving the delivery of high-quality IT services and solutions. In parallel, Dmitrij is a Testing Lecturer at Vilnius University (Lithuania), where he bridges academic knowledge with practical experience by researching and teaching software testing to computer science students and preparing them for careers in the IT industry.

Highlights:

• Practical, hands-on experience is crucial in teaching software testing.
• Real-world examples highlight the importance of testing.
• Dmitrij uses tools like Postman and Selenium for automation learning.
• Course redesign appeals to both beginners and experienced learners.
• AI tools, like ChatGPT, impact student progress and learning processes.