Software Testing Unleashed - QA, DevEx & Quality Engineering

Teaching Automation Before Test Plans? - Dmitrij Nikolajev


Listen Later

Engaging Students in Software Testing: From Test Automation to Motivation

🚀 Do you like the podcast? Then please rate and share it. And feel free to send feedback to [email protected]

"Ideally, I would love to see one day a full bachelor program on software testing." - 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:

  • Start with automation and performance testing before theory—students stay engaged and see practical value first.
  • AI tools like ChatGPT accelerate learning—don't block them, but teach students to verify generated code.
  • Students research real software failures to understand why testing matters—storytelling builds quality awareness effectively.
  • Design exercises with gradual complexity and early wins—positive reinforcement keeps motivation high through difficulty.
  • Codeless tools still need code for complex cases—generative AI makes traditional coding similarly accessible.
  • ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Software Testing Unleashed - QA, DevEx & Quality EngineeringBy Richard Seidl | Software Development & Testing Expert