Start Date
6-6-2017 12:00 AM
Description
Short Abstract:
A new computer curriculum uses studios in which students work to complete projects designed to tie together content learned that semester with topics of previous semesters. Students record their work in a portfolio, which demonstrates their ability to employers and provides data for program assessment.
Full Abstract:
Traditional computer curricula organize courses around getting students proficient in discrete content areas such as computer programming, database management, etc. Such an organization can make it difficult for students to understand how separate topics fit together in the practicing life of a software developer. Also, students lose proficiency in topics as semesters pass, reducing the effectiveness of the final capstone course.
We addressed these weaknesses by developing a computer curriculum that moves students through a curriculum that emphasizes the completion of projects so that graduates emerge ready to practice in the field by having used its core tools and techniques many times over.
Central to the curriculum are the studio and the portfolio. In studio, students work to complete projects designed to tie together content learned that semester with topics of previous semesters. Students record their work in a portfolio, which demonstrates their ability to potential employers and provides data for program assessment.
The new curriculum has been in effect for one year. The presentation includes the detailed design of the curriculum; its implementation to date; the planned and completed development of the program’s academic-outcomes assessment tools; and the planned assessment of the program’s business outcomes.
An Experiential-Based Computer Technology Curriculum
Short Abstract:
A new computer curriculum uses studios in which students work to complete projects designed to tie together content learned that semester with topics of previous semesters. Students record their work in a portfolio, which demonstrates their ability to employers and provides data for program assessment.
Full Abstract:
Traditional computer curricula organize courses around getting students proficient in discrete content areas such as computer programming, database management, etc. Such an organization can make it difficult for students to understand how separate topics fit together in the practicing life of a software developer. Also, students lose proficiency in topics as semesters pass, reducing the effectiveness of the final capstone course.
We addressed these weaknesses by developing a computer curriculum that moves students through a curriculum that emphasizes the completion of projects so that graduates emerge ready to practice in the field by having used its core tools and techniques many times over.
Central to the curriculum are the studio and the portfolio. In studio, students work to complete projects designed to tie together content learned that semester with topics of previous semesters. Students record their work in a portfolio, which demonstrates their ability to potential employers and provides data for program assessment.
The new curriculum has been in effect for one year. The presentation includes the detailed design of the curriculum; its implementation to date; the planned and completed development of the program’s academic-outcomes assessment tools; and the planned assessment of the program’s business outcomes.