UML++: Enhancing Student Learning of Object-Oriented Modeling through Executable Objects

Motivated by the importance of object-oriented modeling in education, we introduce UML++, an object-modeling language that supports instantiation and execution of object models at run time. UML++ is complemented by a modeling tool, UML-MX©, that aims at improving the learning of object-oriented modeling by making modeling more tangible and engaging for students. We outline eight requirements for UML-MX© and present its core features with a focus on the components tailored to levitate learning experiences. A preliminary evaluation indicates that UML-MX© is able to meet most requirements and may significantly aid students in the appreciation and comprehension of object-oriented modeling. Future work will focus on further evaluating the tool's effectiveness in a course setting, refining current features for broader educational use, and expanding its support to other areas of conceptual modeling.