Using Conceptual Models in Research Methods Courses : An experience using iStar 2.0

Conceptual modelling languages are typically taught in graduate and postgraduate information systems programs. In the specific case of postgraduate information systems students, the lecturer has the opportunity to exploit conceptual modelling for educational purposes that go beyond learning how to apply the modelling paradigm or specific languages. In this paper, we report on our employment of the recently proposed iStar 2.0 in the master-level course Advanced Research Methods at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. During this course, the students conducted a design science project where iStar 2.0 artefacts are evaluated in an experimental setting. We present the course (intended learning objectives, learning materials, etc.), we explain how we employed iStar 2.0 therein, and we discuss our teaching experience including lessons learnt.