2013-14 ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BSAS) Information Technology I. Mission College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership Mission Statement: The College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee provides an intellectual, collaborative, ethical, inclusive learning environment for students pursuing leadership positions in hospitality and technology and graduating leaders for these industries to serve citizens of Florida, the U.S., and the world. Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BSAS) Information Technology Mission Statement: The mission of the BSAS program is to further develop the occupational competencies of an AS degree to the level of a Bachelor of Science degree. II. Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes I. Content: Student will be able to demonstrate the knowledge of the significant facts, principles, concepts, and/or theories comprising their selected field of concentration. II. Critical Thinking: In work appropriate to the following areas of concentration, students will be able to demonstrate the following functions of critical thinking: focus on the main idea, draw inferences, evaluate, analyze, and continue the progression of an idea. III. Communication: In work appropriate to the following areas of concentration, student will be able to demonstrate the following functions of good writing: focused unity, coherent organization, relevant support, appropriate diction and syntax, correct grammar and mechanics for the discipline.
III. Means of Assessing the Student Outcomes Capstone Project (CIS 4935, Senior Project / Approved Internship Capstone Assessment): In the senior project / approved internship capstone course, CIS 4935, students are required to complete a real-world project for a business or industry sponsor. The project requires each student to demonstrate technical knowledge, as well as computational and analytic skills. Consisting of four stages, students are required to complete the following: - Present an overview of the project or internship, focusing on why the project was needed, and how the problem was resolved. Challenges encountered and how these were overcome are also included in the presentation. - A demo of the final solution is also given (if applicable). - Students document the entire experience in a 4-6 page report. In addition to being graded by the professor, the project is externally evaluated for evidence of technical knowledge and skill sets by a team of faculty using an agreed-upon scoring rubric based on the educational objectives. Graduation Survey - Given to all students upon the completion of their degree. Graduates are asked to select the degree to which they agree or disagree with the following statements: My critical thinking skills have improved, My writing skills improved, and My oral communication skills improved. Scale: Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree, Strongly Agree.
IV. Previous Cycle Analysis of Results and Planned Changes 1. Demonstrate technical knowledge and skill sets (computational and analytic) needed for success in careers related to Information Technology. PROGRAM WAS NOT ASSESSED IN AY12-13 AS THERE WAS JUST ONE STUDENT. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics in the development and application of Information Technology.
3. Design and develop computer processes and systems of advanced complexity. 4. Assess the potential value of new technologies and see possibly beneficial applications. 5. Conduct computer research, organize a structured presentation, and deliver it in a way that communicates to novice users as well as computer experts. Dean s Response (Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu) 4
V. Current Cycle Assessment Results ACADEMIC PROGRAM: BS in Information Technology CIP Code: 11.0103 Student Outcomes Objective Means of Assessing Target Summary Assessment Results Content: Student will be able to demonstrate the knowledge of the significant facts, principles, concepts, and/or theories comprising their selected field of concentration. Critical Thinking: In work appropriate to the following areas of concentration, students will be able to demonstrate the following functions of critical thinking: focus on the main idea, draw inferences, evaluate, analyze, and continue the progression of an idea. Communication: In work appropriate to the following areas of concentration, student will be able to demonstrate the following functions of good writing: focused unity, coherent organization, relevant support, appropriate diction and syntax, correct grammar and mechanics for the discipline. I II II III III Capstone Project CIS 4935 Capstone Project CIS 4935 Graduation Survey Critical Thinking Skills Capstone Project CIS4935 Graduation Survey Writing Skills Average score of all student performances is at least (3.0) Satisfactory. Average score of all student performances is at least (3.0) Satisfactory. Of students responding, 75% will agree or strongly agree with the following statement: My critical thinking skills improved. Average score of all student performances is at least (3.0) Satisfactory. Of students responding, 75% will agree or strongly agree with the following statements: My writing skills improved, My oral communication skills improved. Content Knowledge Year N Min Max Mean Median SD 2013-14 6 2 2 2.0 2 0.00 Critical Thinking Year N Min Max Mean Median SD 2013-14 6 3 4 3.8 4.0.39 No data is available. Communication Year N Min Max Mean Median SD 2013-14 6 4 4 4.0 4.0.00 No data is available. 5
VI. Current Cycle Analysis of Results and Planned Changes 1. Demonstrate technical knowledge and skill sets (computational and analytic) needed for success in careers related to Information Technology. : There has been a marked change in the projects being delivered by students in this cycle. The change is reflected in the nature and challenge of the projects as well as the number of internships is showing an upward trend. More internships are projected to be incorporated as IT Senior Projects. There have been discussions on hiring an Internship Coordinator to provide additional support. The coordinator will not only work on developing relationships with external entities but will also put the students thru the paces to ensure they are well prepared to handle interviews professionally with polished resumes. However, the earlier concern regarding the need for the Assessment Process to be reinforced with more faculty participation in real time remains. We need a more varied Q&A session for each student s project/presentation to be assessed adequately. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics in the development and application of Information Technology. : Students continue to demonstrate good comprehension of professional ethics and professional behavior. The course on IT Ethics and Leadership is being proposed as one of the Pillar courses. The course on IT Ethics is being extended to include Leadership, and it is being proposed as one of the Pillar courses. 3. Design and develop computer processes and systems of advanced complexity. : A few projects in this cycle demonstrated students are stepping up to more challenging projects. For example, one student designed and built an Eco-Friendly Computer, another student developed a Life and Home Insurance Information System for an insurance company the projects are also spanning a wide range of industries. 4. Assess the potential value of new technologies and see possibly beneficial applications. 6
: There is an increase in the research students have to do for some f the projects. This can also be viewed as a measure of challenge. Students are expected to implement solutions. 5. Conduct computer research, organize a structured presentation, and deliver it in a way that communicates to novice users as well as computer experts. : Most of the students present and deliver their projects in a well-structured coordinated manner, along with a live demo of the end deliverable. Need to have a formal approval process for projects undertaken by students. Also need a longer lead time for students to start thinking about this course. Advisors need to emphasize the need for the Senior Project as soon as students enter their senior year. VII. Summary of Program Improvement Initiatives to be Pursued in the Coming Academic Year Faculty will work with Advisors to emphasize the longer lead time required for Senior Projects. VIII. Dean s Response (Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu) Dean agrees with initiatives. 7