Problem Solving and Lifelong Learning: Developing and Assessing a Course in Information Technology

这个完整的EMD项目解决的问题是如何激励学生谁不是主修计算机和信息系统（CIS）采取二级信息技术（IT）课程，以提供他们一个强大的IT背景，为他们未来的职业生涯做好准备。 我们现正为一项新的资讯科技课程“解决问题及终身学习”制订一个大纲及全面的评核程序。" 该课程为非CIS专业的学生提供了在终身学习的框架内有效利用IT解决问题所需的经验和概念工具。 该课程采用案例研究教学法，引导学生解决复杂的研究问题，这些问题集成了1）特定领域的知识和逻辑，2）一般科学问题解决策略，3）IT方法，以及4）协调使用一些IT工具。 这第二个层次的课程，它超越了典型的第一级IT课程侧重于计算机操作和工具的使用，帮助学生使用IT来解决更高层次的学科特定课程所需的问题。 该项目还包括以下教师准备组成部分1）鼓励副数学和科学教师参加拟议的信息技术课程，2）教师教育工作者是咨询委员会的一部分，以帮助开发和评估课程，以及3）PI正在与当地的NSF协作卓越教师准备项目合作，为教师教育者和学前教育者开发一个专门的研讨会。除了在坦普尔大学实施和评估针对不同学生群体的原型课程外，该项目正在制定在任何机构开设此类课程的框架。 该框架描述了以下方面的指导方针：1）开发具有挑战性的特定学科案例研究，2）为在不同的复杂信息丰富的环境中嵌入动手使用IT提供所需的基础，以及3）在特定课程的背景下评估所产生的课程。 正在通过以下方式传播框架和案例研究样本：其他机构的教员参加咨询委员会;在国家会议上提交论文和举办讲习班;建立因特网资料库和有关教员的电子讨论小组;以及可能出版一本载有框架和一套案例研究的书。

This full EMD project addresses the problem of how to motivate students who are not majoring in computer and information systems(CIS) to take a second level information technology (IT) course in order to provide them with a strong IT background to prepare them for future careers. A framework and comprehensive assessment procedure is being developed for a new IT course, "Problem-Solving and Lifelong Learning." The course provides non-CIS majors the experience and conceptual tools needed for the effective use of IT in problem-solving in the framework of lifelong learning. The course uses a case study pedagogical approach to lead students through the solution of complex research problems that integrate 1) domain-specific knowledge and logic, 2) general scientific problem-solving strategies, 3) IT methods, and 4) the coordinated use of a number of IT tools. This second level course, which goes beyond the typical first level IT course focusing on computer operation and use of tools, helps students to use IT to solve problems required by higher level discipline-specific courses. This project also contains the following teacher preparation components 1) preservice math and science teachers are being encouraged to take the proposed IT course, 2) teacher educators are part of the advisory board to help develop and assess the course, and 3) the PI's are working with the local NSF Collaborative on Excellence in Teacher Preparation project to develop a specialized workshop for teacher educators and pre-service teachers.In addition to implementing and evaluating a prototype course to a diverse population of students at Temple University, the project is developing the framework for creating such a course at any institution. The framework delineates guidelines for 1) developing challenging discipline-specific case studies, 2) providing the foundation needed for embedding hands-on use of IT in different complex information rich environments, and 3) assessing the resulting course in the context of a particular curriculum. Dissemination of the framework and sample case studies is being accomplished by the involvement of faculty from other institutions on an advisory board, by the presentation of papers and workshops at national conferences, by the creation of an Internet repository and electronic discussion group of interested faculty, and by possible publication of a book containing the framework and a set of case studies.