Multi-Agent Systems Design for Novices

Advanced approaches to the construction of software systems can present difficulties to learners. This is true for multi-agent systems (MAS) which exhibit concurrency, non-determinacy of structure and composition and sometimes emergent behavior characteristics. Additional barriers exist for learners because mainstream MAS technology is young and design methodologies are still evolving.This paper considers the benefits and difficulties associated with teaching/learning agent technology and recommends an approach used by the authors. The paper examines Agent UML--a set of proposed extensions to UML to facilitate MAS design but suggests that simpler design tools are more appropriate for novice MAS programmers. A small suite of preferred tools are presented. (Contains 6 figures.)