BTS Software Solutions (United States)

When faced with a shortage of Smalltalk programming skills, the IBM Lab at Research Triangle Park, NC, USA worked with North Carolina State University to find a solution. What resulted was a joint program for Smalltalk object-oriented education centered around sound engineering and project work. That program now running for over two years has been continually improved by evaluating each semester's results and making appropriate changes. IBM's direct involvement as an industry sponsor included the development of course materials, classroom instruction and project mentoring. This involvement provided IBM engineers first-hand experiences with the students and allowed them to work effectively with NC State to adjust the program. This approach has proved successful in overcoming this technology's steep learning curve, providing students with a foundation of object-oriented skills. The program has created an effective combination of an industry's skill needs and the university's goal of providing a solid engineering education. We believe it could serve as a model for other companies that have specific education and skill requirements.