Assessment of Learning Report Computer Science CPT/CPM Fall 2006 Spring I. Introduction and Background

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1 Assessment of Learning Report Computer Science CPT/CPM Fall 2006 Spring 2008 AAS DEGREE: Computer Programming AAS DEGREE: Database Management AAS DEGREE: Management Information Systems AAS DEGREE: Multimedia and Web Design AAS DEGREE: Telecommunications I. Introduction and Background Mission Statements St. Charles Community College: St. Charles Community College is an affordable, and accredited, accessible learning environment providing life-changing opportunities for personal growth and professional success. Computer Science: The Computer Science Program's mission is to offer both academic and vocational computer science programs that are responsive to the information technology needs of business and industry, as well as responsive to the personal and professional objectives of our students. We are committed to excellence in instruction and will recruit and retain a professional faculty imbued with real world, cutting edge experience and expertise. Progress since the last report The C# (C Sharp) programming language class has been implemented, per recommendation by IT Advisory. CPT 121 Data Communications has been developed and implemented as an online class. CPM 160 HTML has been developed and implemented as an online class. CPM 200 XML has been developed as an online class for implementation SP10. CPM 280 Javascript has been developed as an online class for implementation SP09. CPM 190 Dynamic Programming Languages has been developed and implemented as an online class. CPM 251 Actionscript has been developed as an online course for implementation SU09. CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 1 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

2 A new TSA (Technical Skills Assessment) tool has been developed and implemented for the MIS, Database, and Computer Programming AAS degrees. The Business Computing AAS degree has been dropped, in favor of the industryrecognized MIS degree. Prerequisites were dropped on software-specific courses CPM 210, CPM 220, CPM 240, CPM 250, and CPM 270, to encourage increased enrollments. The software being used in the Multimedia/Web Design capstone has been updated to reflect programs currently in use by local businesses. Program Goals Computer Programming: Programs solve problems or perform tasks on a computer. Programmers translate the solutions or tasks into a language the computer can understand. This degree introduces students to programming concepts, enforcing good style and logical thinking. Students will become proficient in the syntax of several programming languages in active use in the business community. Characteristics of good programs 1. Produces good correct output 2. Easy to read and understand 3. Properly documented (internal & external) 4. Easily maintained Database Management: The Database Management degree will provide students with the fundamentals of the relational database model, structured query language (SQL), data modeling, database design, and database administration. Truly effective use of current PC-based and server-based DBMSs is utilized throughout the program. Database topics include: Creating and managing databases, tables, transaction logs, triggers, and stored procedures Enforcing data integrity using constraints, defaults, and rules Writing queries that manipulate data effectively Plan/design data for appropriate use by users and application programs Management Information Systems IT professionals who, in addition to technical skills, have strong business acumen and interpersonal communication competencies are sought after as they assume larger and more visible roles as corporate strategists. SCC s MIS degree emphasizes the practical aspects of computing, plus the business background to be able to best serve the computer needs of the business community. Management Information Systems topics include: Systems Analysis and Design CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 2 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

3 Fundamentals of Business Fundamentals of Database Management Computerized Accounting Computer Security Business/Computer Ethics Multimedia & Web Design: The Multimedia and Web Design program will prepare students with the necessary skills to develop and create multimedia projects and web pages using a variety of resources, hardware and application programs. Integration of concepts, program applications, hardware components, research tools and design will be focused creating real-life projects. The student will create multimedia presentations and web pages using a variety of program applications implementing the concepts of design including goals, flowcharts, storyboards, scripting and design techniques The student will define terms, identify file types, download files, use hardware and compression techniques used in multimedia The student will identify concepts and patent laws related to copyrighted materials used in multimedia The student will create, edit, capture and import graphics, video, sound, and animations both for multimedia presentations and the web The student will integrate a variety of scripting languages to enhance interactivity within multimedia and web design projects Telecommunications: This degree gives the student a firm background in understanding the principles involved in data communications. This program provides a thorough knowledge of protocols, networking, and the convergence of TV, radio, telephony and computer networks. Topics include: Latest wireless technologies Encryption standards and digital signatures Frame Relay and Asynchronous Transfer Mode systems Modern multiplexing techniques Cellular telephone technologies Voice over Internet Protocol technology Program Objectives Computer Programming: The student will demonstrate proficiency in these areas: 1. Logic presentation (algorithm, pseudocode, etc.) 2. Coding specifications 3. Program listing 4. Computer generated report 5. Other documentation as required based on the program involved CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 3 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

4 Database Management: The student will express the aptitude to complete the following: 1. Create and manage files, file groups, databases, and tables 2. Write queries that retrieve and modify data using joins and subqueries 3. Manage locking options and transactions to ensure data concurrency and recoverability 4. Create and maintain indexes 5. Using tools within PC-based and server-based Database Management System (DBMS) software Management Information Systems: The student will display skills for the following: 1. Planning, designing and implementing technology initiatives to maintain corporate competitiveness 2. Coordinating business marketing and management needs with IT capabilities 3. Time management to balance the load between multiple projects 4. Ethical use of computer technology in business 5. Training end-users to be most productive in their jobs Multimedia & Web Design: The student will exhibit the following talents: 1. Create and interactive, non-linear web site to serve as their portfolio of projects they have completed in the Multimedia and Web Design program during their academic pursuits at SCC. 2. Preparation of goals, objectives, stated target audience and style prior to working on projects. 3. Creating a flowchart, script and storyboard of proposed project that includes file formats, navigation and scripting 4. Integrating within the project at least two other multimedia software applications to create their own artwork or animations 5. Knowing and abide by copyright rules and restrictions 6. Creating the project with scripting included 7. Testing and debug the project 8. Saving the project files as an HTML file to display on the Internet for potential employers to access. Telecommunications: The student will display the expertise to: 1. Define a protocols and how it is used in a network 2. Differentiate WAN, LAN, Internet and wireless protocols 3. Describe hardware and software security issues and systems 4. Explain the convergence of TV, radio, telephony, and computer networks. CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 4 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

5 Skills Assessment Computer Programming, Database Management, Management Information Systems: For Computer Programming, Database Management, and Management Information Systems (MIS) a culminating project within CPT 200 Systems Analysis and Design is being used for skills assessment. This project is a group presentation of an analysis of a computer system, including recommendations for upgrades and security. Specifics on the content of the assessment project and a scoring rubric are as follows: excellent good fair poor not done not applicable Decision-making developed/described logic and formulas used Output serves the intended purpose well organized/designed Forms easy to fill in meet the intended purpose ensure accuracy and completion User Interface includes guidelines for meaningful communication solicits user feedback Security planning for security found throughout design hardware security is included software security is included user education is clearly planned Databases appropriate use throughout the design Attention to details exhibited throughout project Teamwork completed appropriate role in the team overall feedback from the team Multimedia and Web Design: Students in the Multimedia and Web Design program were assessed in the capstone class CPM 230 course designing and creating a web page portfolio that implemented the theories and applications learned not only in this course but other courses within the program and to display the work produced as a student at SCC. The final project was CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 5 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

6 graded for the skills assessment. The project was to design and create an interactive, web portfolio. The project was to display their work, add contact information and their resume using concepts taught in the class while integrating a variety of software applications/scripting the student had learned in the program. Adobe Flash and Dreamweaver were the main software applications used for the project. Storyboard production along with stated goals, objectives and target audience; observance of copyright laws; design theory; debugging and beta-testing; and saving as an HTML document were also required. The instructor Jane O Donnell administered the project in Spring The results were scored with the attached rubric. Scoring Rubric Project objectives and goals are clearly stated 65% 75% 85% % Full scripting details are included 65% 75% 85% % Detailed storyboards 65% 75% 85% % Multimedia elements/design techniques 65% 75% 85% % Subject knowledge 65% 75% 85% % Originality 65% 75% 85% % Consistency 65% 75% 85% % Graphical design 65% 75% 85% % Navigation 65% 75% 85% % Technical requirements 65% 75% 85% % Integration of application programs 65% 75% 85% % Saving as HTML files and FTP files 65% 75% 85% % Telecommunications: Embedded within the Telecommunications Capstone Course CPT 249 Network Architectures & Protocols, the student explores many of the protocols applicable in current telecommunications within a project. The student defines the protocols and applies the use of the protocols within various networking and telecommunications areas. Three high-speed wide area network configurations are compared and contrasted. Computer network security, especially when including the Internet, is identified; possible solutions are presented. The convergence of voice telephone systems with computer networks and the Internet, and the effects on today's society, is researched as well. The finished project displays the student's ability to research current issues and compile a comprehensive report. Rubric Excellent Poor Define each protocol and how it is used in a network Differentiate WAN, LAN, Internet and wireless protocols Describe hardware and software security issues and systems CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 6 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

7 Academic Assessment Plan At the beginning of Fall 2000 Semester, all vocational programs were notified of the requirement of some type of academic assessment performance would be reported yearly in order to remain eligible for special funding by federal and state agencies through the State Plan from DESE and CBHE bodies of Missouri. ACT WorkKeys was chosen to evaluate the students skills in areas such as reading, writing, analysis/critical thinking, and decision-making. Computer Science chose the following WorkKeys tests: Reading for Information This computerized multiple choice test contains 33 problems to be completed in 55 minutes. Students can score between levels three through seven, with seven being the highest. Students are reading passages from actual workplace business documents and are expected to respond to questions about the content of these documents. Reading skills and analysis/decision-making skills are measured by their answers Locating Information This computerized multiple choice test contains 38 problems to be completed in 55 minutes. Students can score between levels three through six, with six being the highest. Students are observing workplace documents containing graphics, forms, charts, tables, etc., and are expected to glean information from these documents to answer the questions accurately and in a timely manner. These skills are needed by SCC graduates every day in the workplace. Three (3) is the minimum expected score for Computer Science students to achieve on each WorkKeys test. The students take these tests in the Assessment Center in the Administration Building, Room 1206 throughout the semester that the student is enrolled in the capstone course for each degree. Data, results, analysis, interpretation, discussion, implication and action begin on the next page, since these items will change on all future reports. CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 7 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

8 Student ID II. Data and Results Assessment Data Academic Assessment Locating Information Reading for Information Skills Assessment Score% Maintain 80% Level or above for Skills Assessment? Computer Programming XXXXXX na na 60 No XXXXXX Yes XXXXXX Yes XXXXXX Yes Database Management XXXXXX Yes Management Information Systems XXXXXX Yes XXXXXX Yes Multimedia & Web Design XXXXXX na na 28 No XXXXXX na na 99 Yes XXXXXX na na 90 Yes XXXXXX Yes XXXXXX na na 86 Yes XXXXXX na na 95 Yes XXXXXX na na 46 No XXXXXX Yes XXXXXX na na 85 Yes XXXXXX na na 98 Yes XXXXXX na na 85 Yes XXXXXX na na 85 Yes XXXXXX na na 85 Yes XXXXXX na na 85 Yes XXXXXX na na 85 Yes Telecommunications XXXXXX na na 87 Yes na= student was not available for testing due to relocation or student started SCC before Assessment was required and refused to do the testing or software for testing in the Assessment Center did not work properly when student came to take the test(s) or student had already taken the capstone course prior to assessment testing component CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 8 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

9 III. Data analysis and interpretation Over the past two years, all students have scored at or above the minimum (3) on the WorkKeys tests. We are still confident that the WorkKeys tests chosen are the correct ones for this measurement. Skills Assessment scores are also still very high. Only three (3) students did not do well on their Skills Assessments. These comprehensive assessment tools are demonstrating our students proficiency in their respective fields of study. Computer Programming students are exhibiting high-level programming skills. Adding gaming and robotics within the advanced classes has increased students enthusiasm and work quality. Database Management students are gaining quality experience working handson with server-based database software from multiple vendors. Management Information Systems students have developed the business skills as well as the technical skills current employers are requesting. Multimedia students quality software and scripting skills in their capstone course persists. The Telecommunications students clearly understands the convergence of voice, data, television, radio, and telephone technologies. Students are displaying more energy and interest in teamwork projects. Time management skills have improved in all degree programs. CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 9 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

10 IV. Discussions with IT Advisory Committee and faculty Per IT Advisory Board meetings over the past several semesters, the following are some of topics that have been discussed and implemented as applicable within SCC computer courses Project management skills continue in many courses o o Soft skills o o o Deadlines continue to be strictly enforced Students are being held responsible for troubleshooting of their programs Written work must be in complete sentences; grammar is graded Formal presentations are required in more classes Informal presentations, such as postings to discussion boards in WebCT, are required in more classes Group/team activities o More in-class assignments are now being assigned to a group of students to reinforce collaboration on one finished product Computer/Information security remains an important emphasis in all courses The Business Computing AAS degree has been dropped to be replaced by the MIS AAS degree. Faculty Adjusted course offerings in Multimedia to accommodate lower enrollments. Implemented gaming and robotics components to appropriate courses to increase student interest in IT professions: Flash, Premiere, and Director have gaming components; Advanced Java and C++ include gaming and robotics. CPT121, CPM160, CPM190, CPM200, CPM251, and CPM280 have all been developed as online courses. Additional parts of online course software is being used in more courses, such as the grading tool for student reference. The final systems analysis project in CPT 200 has been implemented for skill assessment for Computer Programming, Databasement Management, and Management Information Systems degrees. CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 10 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

11 V. Implications for improvement or changes Computer Programming The final systems analysis project in CPT 200 has been implemented for skill assessment. Consider using Python instead of PHP in the Database Programming course. Implement a robotics challenge between the C++ and Advanced Java students. Enrollments are growing, especially COBOL programmers returning to school for retraining. Database Management: The DB2 and Perl courses are still to be developed. The final systems analysis project in CPT 200 has been implemented for skill assessment. This program needs to be actively marketed to increase awareness. Management Information Systems: The final systems analysis project in CPT 200 has been implemented for skill assessment. This program needs to be actively marketed to increase awareness. Multimedia & Web Design: Students continue to see the value of creating detailed flowcharts and storyboards. If students do not meet project deadlines points will be deducted to reinforce the concept of timeliness. To enhance trouble shooting skills we will reinforce beta-testing and quality checks, using the help files and the support web pages from the software manufacturer before the final project is turned in. More real-life business applications need to be added (via non-profit organizations, for example) for students to get practical experience. Telecommunications: We need to actively work with Telecommunications members of our IT Advisory to review our curriculum, considering what SCC can do (within budget) to better present wireless technology topics. If SCC cannot cover newer Telcom technologies adequately, we may need to discuss dropping the program, or putting it on hold. CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 11 Fall 2006-Spring 2008

12 VI. Action steps Evaluate development of computer-based training into additional courses Persist with teamwork/project activities in the classrooms Manage course offerings as enrollments increase Continue enforcing deadlines for coursework, especially projects Develop animations to better demonstrate some of the concepts/theory in the Data Communications course (especially now that it s online) Actively market all IT degrees, to increase enrollments (to better assess student success) Decide who should contact non-profit organizations for obtaining real-life projects for students to complete. Review using Python instead of PHP in the Database Programming course (what is the community using?) Check results of student success in the new online courses (especially, how do the results compare to traditional on-campus classes?) Discuss the future of the Telecommunication program CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Page 12 Fall 2006-Spring 2008