COMPUTER SCIENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS PROGRAM REVIEW. Fall 2009 (Due 2007/2008)

Transcription

1 COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM REVIEW Fall 2009 (Due 2007/2008) COMMITTEE MEMBERS Marilyn Bracken, Business Division Chair and Assistant Professor of Business/Accounting Carla Hester-Croff, Assistant Professor of Information Technology Jennifer Allen, Assistant Professor of Science/Office Information Systems Leesa Lee, Assistant Professor of Office Information Systems Christine Lustik, Director of Distance Education Sarah Stanley, Instructor of Mathematics Carla Hester-Croff Science Instructors 8/25/ Carla Hester-Croff, WWCC Assistant Professor of IT Jennifer Allen, WWCC Assistant Professor of OIS/CS

2 Table of Contents Section I: Overview... 2 A. Program s Purpose... 2 B. Primary Program Goals & Program-Level Learning Assessment... 2 Section II: FACT FINDING... 2 A. Enrollment and Audience... 3 Science & Web Development Student Enrollment... 3 Information Systems Graduates... 3 Science Class Enrollment... 4 Web Development Graduates... 4 Web Development Enrollment... 5 PhotoShop Students... 5 Internships... 6 B. Facilities and Equipment... 6 Web Server... 7 Web Server History... 7 Student Use of Servers... 7 Challenges... 7 C. Printed Materials and Website... 8 Catalog... 8 Course Syllabi... 8 Website... 8 Brochure... 8 Recruiting Letter... 8 Promotion of Science... 8 Community Outreach... 9 Student Outreach... 9 D. Staff Development New Hire Adjunct Faculty E. Recommendations from the Previous Program Review Section III: Focus on the Future A. Strengths, Limitations, and Opportunities B. Action Plan

3 COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM REVIEW Fall 2009 (Due 2007/2008) SECTION I: OVERVIEW A. Program s Purpose The Information Systems two-year program and certificates are designed to meet the needs of students who plan a career in computer science, web development and/or to increase their knowledge and experience in the Information Technology field. The program purpose is to influence the factors used to attract, retain and matriculate a significant number of diverse computer science, and web development graduates with the skills and training that employers want to hire, and who can continue to grow and adapt in the global market. B. Primary Program Goals & Program-Level Learning Assessment Primary Program Goals 1. Students will communicate competently in the Science field, using appropriate language and terminology. 2. Students will demonstrate effective and ethical use of current technology appropriate to the Science field. 3. Science students will demonstrate general knowledge of computer systems including using various programming languages to design, document, and implement programming code. 4. Web Development student will plan, design, develop and maintain interactive dynamic Internet web pages using Web authoring tools and scripting programs. Program-Level Learning Assessment Externally standardized exams in subject matter given by all course instructors. Presentation and/or demonstration of projects. Science Student Survey Results. Externally standardized exams in subject matter given by all course instructors. Presentation and/or demonstration of projects. Science Student Survey Results. Externally standardized exams in subject matter given by all course instructors. Successful completion of functional computer programs. Externally standardized exams in subject matter given by all course instructors. Successful completion of individual website. SECTION II: FACT FINDING 2

4 A. Enrollmen nt and Audience The Science program enrollment has continued to grow since the Spring of 2002 semester. To accommodate this increase in enrollmentt an additional faculty member was hired in the Fall 2007 semester. The average student enrollment is between students annually. Each year the Science/Web Development program graduates an average of 5 students per semester. Science & Web Development Student Enrollment The following table summarizes the growth over the past 5 years: Information Systems Graduates The following table summarizes the CIS graduates from Spring 05 to Spring 08: 3

5 Science Class Enrollment The following table summarizes the Science Class Enrollment from Spring 02 to Spring 07: Web Development Graduates The following table summarizes the CIS graduates from Spring 05 to Spring 08: 4

6 Web Development Enrollment The Web Development I course can be used as a Science elective and/ /or applied toward the Web Development certificate, which makes enrollment higher. Web Development II and Web Page Dynamics and Scripting are part of the Web Development Certificate and they are alternated during the Spring and Fall semesters. The following table summarizes the Web Development Class Enrollment from Spring 022 to Spring 07: PhotoShop Students The following table summarizes the PhotoShop students from Spring 04 to Spring 08: 5

7 Internships The following table summarizes the internships from Spring 04 to Spring 08: B. Facilities and Equipment Theree are several items that need to be addressed in order to effectively teach Science courses: Software upgrades usually occur every two years. The computer lab machines must be updated and tested. Hardware upgrades usually occur every three years. The Science programs must be tested on the machines to make sure everything is working correctly. Each semester the following items must be done with the lab computer systems: 6

8 o o o o o o o Web server tested and maintained for student projects Network server tested and maintained for student programming files Shortcuts created on lab desktops for easy access during classroom time Science programs available to students during non-classroom time Science programs tested for bugs and problems Folder extensions displayed for students Menu options displayed for students Currently, the CS department works with the Information Technology Department, Office Information Systems lab, the Distance Education Department and the Outreach coordinators to make sure the computer systems are working effectively for students. Web Server This coming academic year Fall 08/Spr 09, the Information Technology (IT) Department has designated a web server for Science courses. However, the new server will not be fully tested until the Fall 08 semester. The CS Department attempted to test the web server during the Spr 08 semester, however had problems with the server working with the Vista operating system. Currently, working with IT to resolve issues. Web Server History Previously, the Science (CS) Department had requested a dedicated web server to allow administrative rights to the department to enable student to create interactive web pages that include the use of databases and.asp forms. In the past and recently, the CS Department has been using the assess1 web server (e-portfolio server) to complete Science projects. At this time, students are not able to create interactive websites with databases or.asp forms using the current available web space. Student Use of Servers The students in the Web Development courses implement their own individual websites as final and midterm projects. These projects include items that have been covered in these courses. What is done currently: The CS Department has been using the assess1 web server (e-portfolio server) to post student individual websites under the webdev directory. Students are shown how to upload to web server space to post their web items for their classes Research on the Internet shows other colleges doing the same. The websites are removed and backed up after each semester. Then, new folders are created for new students each semester. Challenges The below items have to be maintained on a regular basis and are challenges for the Science area: Maintaining consistency with lab computer set ups o Clean working area for students o Missing mouse pads o Shortcuts not always available 7

9 o Keyboards broken o Wiring out of place Instructor computers set up appropriately Student computers burning out frequently Access to network servers Cross training of lab assistants C. Printed Materials and Website Faculty members review the catalog descriptions, website, brochure and recruiting letters annually to make sure everything is kept updated. At present time program is convenient that printed materials and website meet the current need. Catalog Over the past several years, the department has updated the CIS program within the catalog by eliminating old courses, adding new courses, reviewing and revising course descriptions. Each academic year the catalog is revisited for accuracy. Course Syllabi Science course outlines identify the Goals for Student Success and how specific course objectives relate to these institution-wide goals. During the Fall 08 Spr 09 academic year, the department would like to include measurements of successful completion of these goals for each Science course. Website The Science staff implemented the Business Division websites including the Science website ( which contains information regarding the program and course descriptions relative to the CS program. This website is updated on a regular basis. Brochure A brochure was created identifying the Science program and includes comments from students who have participated and graduated from the program or certification. In the past the department has used a 3-fold brochure; during the Fall 08 Spr 09 academic year a standalone flyer will be created for distribution. This flyer will include the CIS program and Web Development Certification information. Recruiting Letter The Science letter is sent to prospective students and is updated annually. Promotion of Science The Science department is continually promoting within the community. Some of the promotional material and methods are listed below: Posters and Flyers Letters Sent to Potential Students Brochures 8

10 Science Website Advertisements in Newspapers Advertisements on Television (Channel 13) Radio Talk Show (The Radio Network) WWCC Career Day, WWCC Counselor Day, WWCC Business Day, WWCC Free Day and participation in Student Orientations WWCC Senior Day: Awarded Senior Scholarships each year (participate every year in this event). Provides full-time in-state tuition for four consecutive semesters. Applicants must have a 3.10 cumulative GPA (through seven semesters of high school) and a composite of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT. A limited number of Senior Scholarships are awarded there is 1 awarded for Science. Nominated 6 Science students for WWCC Outstanding Graduate Division Scholarship: there is 1 awarded for Science NASA Scholarships: Currently the WWCC Representative (since Fall 2005) o Spr 07 & Spr 08 awarded 16 scholarships o Spr 09 awarded 9 scholarships UW NASA Community College Transfer Scholarships Science Internships 9 students participated in internship projects 6 Science students obtained jobs with Western Wyoming Community College 3 Science students obtained jobs within the state of Wyoming 3 Science students won awards at the University of Wyoming Highlighting Students in Publications Science Community Involvement Luncheon with organizations that Science students worked on projects. Community Outreach In addition, students in the more advanced courses work on community websites. Students select businesses or organizations in the community to partner with for Web Development. The CS Department students have worked on the following projects, since the Web Development Certificate has been in place: WWCC Women s Fair Website WWCC Theatre Website WWCC Business Division Websites WWCC Free Day Website Eden Valley History Society Website County Commissioners Website Rocky Mountain Safety Environment Council Sheriff Office Website The CS Department recommends hosting services to the organizations that need this service. CS students provide instructions to the clients to maintain their websites once completed. The objective of the CS Web Interns is to work on web development projects with the understanding that they are students and the process will be gradual. Student Outreach 9

11 In order to promote computer science, the CS Department conducts LAN Parties once a month. The following are items required for equipment set up for this event: Getting gaming software approved through the IT Department, in order to NOT damage network or software connections needed for the OIS lab Testing the gaming software Reserving OIS computer lab Notifying security D. Staff Development The Science program was initiated in 2000 after years of being mothballed primarily because of the difficulty hiring qualified faculty. In 2002, the program was reinitiated with the hiring of Carla Hester-Croff. To keep current in the field staff have participated in the following training, committees, and conferences: Masters in Education emphasis in Instructional Technology from UW Participate in Blackboard meetings for Distance Education Participate in various campus committees such as; Distance Education, Senate, Curriculum, and Technology Participate in the Wyoming Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, and Science Articulation Planning Committee and Meetings Serve on the Wyoming Space Grant Advisory Board Serve on the Community College SMET Scholarship Committee Attended and presented at the WYDEC Conference Participated in both Facilitating Online Learning courses Attended 3-week Online Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Training and other Quality Matters courses Attended and presented at Course Technology Conferences Implemented Instructor Resources for Course Technology A Publisher of Textbooks we use at WWCC. New Hire As a result of the growth of the Science program a full-time faculty member was hired. During the Fall 07/Spr 08 academic year, Jennifer Allen was hired as a Office Information Systems/ Science instructor. Jennifer is working on getting up to speed in the programming aspect of Science by currently team teaching. The first year, Jennifer participated in the following: Department Scholarships Science Fair Course Technology Conference Cross Training in Science Distance Education Training Adjunct Faculty Currently, the adjunct faculty and concurrent enrollment for the main computer course COSC 1200 Information Systems is handled by the Office Information Systems 10

12 (OIS) area. There have been several items addressed during the Academic Year Fall07- Spr08: COSC 1200 Information Systems Standardized Syllabus Improvement of communication with COSC Adjunct Faculty. It is recommended to contact the adjunct faculty at the beginning of each semester, to inform them about the COSC 1200 forum on Mustang Cruiser and any needs they may have before starting classes. The following are the minimum requirements for teaching Science (COSC) courses: Department: COMPUTER SCIENCE and WEB DEVELOPMENT Course Degree Experience Department Contact Minimum Degree required COSC 1010 Science, Information Technology or Related Field 3 years work or teaching in subject area Carla Hester-Croff Minimum Degree required: COSC 1200 Bachelors Degree in Science, Information Technology, Business, Business Education, or E-Business. Any Bachelor's Degree will be considered if the applicant has a wealth of experience with the concepts and applications of the course. 2 years work or teaching in subject area Leesa Lee Minimum Degree required COSC 1350 Science, Information Technology, E-Business or Equivalent Web Experience 2 years work or teaching in subject area Carla Hester-Croff Minimum Degree required COSC 1360 Science, Information Technology or Related Field 3 years work or teaching in subject area Carla Hester-Croff At this time we are NOT approving the following classes: COSC 1030 COSC 2350 COSC 2360 COSC 2409 COSC 2800 Science I (which is the 2nd level) Web Development II Web Page Dynamics & Scripting Programming (Visual Basic) Science Portfolio/Capstone E. Recommendations from the Previous Program Review Currently, there isn t a previous program review to base recommendations. Below are recommendations to consider from 2006-present: Recommendations from 2006-Present Program Review Cross Train Improve collaboration Improve type of course offerings College-Wide Goals for Student Success Actions Continue to cross train new faculty member. Improve collaboration with adjunct faculty and other departments that work closely with Science i.e. Office Information Systems. Currently, implement 8 to 10 week block classes to meet the needs of students, stack classes to increase enrollment and cross list classes along with other departments. Improve the offerings and ways of conducting these classes. Include the courses primary goals and measure successful completion of these goals in chart format in all Science 11

13 Improve High School and College Relations syllabuses. Work with local high schools on CS college courses. SECTION III: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE A. Strengths, Limitations, and Opportunities The following are the strengths, limitations and opportunities in the Science area: Strengths: Program is offered completely online. Providing innovative instruction to students with technology i.e. MyCodeMate for programming classes. One-on-one assistance for students from faculty. Successful in implementing several Science internships. Offering new Science courses as topic courses. Provide stacked classes with online and classroom students to increase enrollment. Implement various online courses. Online courses have been submitted to Blackboard Greenhouse program and Quality Matters to improve quality of online courses. Offer online hours for online students. Offer students opportunities to work with community organizations on CS projects. Offer students CS scholarships on a regular basis. Conduct student events to promote program i.e. LAN parties. Limitations: Heavy workloads are a challenge for instructors. Implementing and teaching online Science courses requires more time then classroom courses. Other staff needing to be fully trained. equipment and software needs are sometimes limited due to budget. Opportunities: Growing course offerings in Science with stack classes, 8-10 week block classes and online. Having fully trained personnel. Increasing community involvement with students. Continuing to improve online and classroom course content. B. Action Plan First Year:

14 Task or Action Purpose Measure of Success Who is Responsible? Implement a Digital Design Certificate To meet the industry need for these skills Enrollment of classes Science/Office Information Systems Departments Offer Stack Classes in Science (blends online and classroom students in same course section) To meet the need of online and classroom students Enrollment of classes Science Department Tasks Dependent on Funding (Provide estimated cost) Data to Justify Need, and Consequence of Not Funding Who is responsible? Second Year: Task or Action Purpose Measure of Success Who is Responsible? Designated web server for students To provide a stable web server environment for students and courses Web server is functional Science and Information Technology Departments Implement Community Outreach Projects in Course Curriculum To provide students realworld experience and to promote Science program at WWCC. Successful completion of projects and customer satisfaction (minutes from project showcase meeting) Science 13

15 Implement a series of Gaming Events (LAN Parties) To support student clubs, participation in student life at WWCC and promote Science program Attendance and verbal feedback Science Tasks Dependent on Funding (Provide estimated cost) Data to Justify Need, and Consequence of Not Funding Who is responsible? Third Year: Task or Action Purpose Measure of Success Who is Responsible? Combine course content for Web Development and Digital Design certificates To meet the needs of students and effective use of full-time faculty and resources Enrollment and verbal feedback from faculty Science Department Implement Advisory Council for Web Development & Digital Design Certificate To receive feedback from industry partners Implementation of Advisory Council and member participation Science and Office Information Systems Departments 14

16 Collaborate with White Mountain Library on Gaming Events with Sponsorship from SBOCES To support student clubs, participation in student life at WWCC. To promote Science program to the greater Sweetwater community. Attendance and survey feedback Science Department, White Mountain Library staff and SBOCES Finalize plans for Science/Engineering Summer Camp Community outreach and promotion of Science and Engineering Participation and survey feedback Science and Engineering Departments with assistance from SBOCES and University of Wyoming Tasks Dependent on Funding (Provide estimated cost) Data to Justify Need, and Consequence of Not Funding Who is responsible? 15