Program Outcome Status As Reported in The
PROGRAM OUTCOME STATUS AS REPORTED IN THE
SELF-STUDY REPORT
Objective / HowMeasured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO1
Demonstrate an understanding of algorithms and data structures. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2005
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / There is a need to provide a learning environment to account for a wide range of background knowledge and experience in computing in the introductory courses in the major. See Appendix VII.E / A policy has been established to urge students without previous background in computing to enroll in the non required Comp 108 course prior to taking required courses in the program.
SLO2
Demonstrate an understanding of computer organization and architecture. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / There is an indication that it might be necessary to improve the retention of computer organization and architecture concepts as students progress through the program. See Appendix VII.F / A plan is under development to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of this outcome before any program changes are made.
SLO3
Demonstrate an understanding of programming language concepts and knowledge of a variety of programming language paradigms. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / A preliminary assessment has shown that many students nearing graduation are unable to demonstrate a knowledge of a variety of programming languages. See Appendix VII.G / A decision to revise the assessment instrument and reassess this outcome was made.
SLO4
Demonstrate proficiency in using a high-level computer language / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / Assessment results are currently being analyzed.
Objective / How
Measured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO5
Demonstrate an ability to apply mathematical skills appropriate to the computer science discipline. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / The results from this assessment are currently being analyzed.
SLO6
Demonstrate an awareness of the evolution and dynamic nature of the foundational core of computer science. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / This assessment is currently underway.
SLO7
Demonstrate proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / The results from this assessment are currently being analyzed. See Appendix VII.H
SLO8
Demonstrate a problem solving ability. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2007
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / This assessment is currently underway.
Objective / How
Measured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO9
Demonstrate an understanding of emerging technologies and a working knowledge of currently available software tools. / Informal assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / There is a need to identify which emerging technologies and software tools students are expected to understand and know how to use before meaningful assessment can be done. See Appendix VII.I
SLO10
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices for software design and development. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2005
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each semester / The retention and ability to apply concepts and principles of software engineering among majors needs to be improved. See Appendix VII.J / Course objectives for beginning computer science course were revised to include introduction of software engineering concepts, and the objectives of elective courses with software engineering projects were revised to include the reinforcement of software engineering concepts.
A proposal to add a senior software engineering design project as a program requirement is under development.
SLO11
Be able to apply the principles and practices for software design and development to real problems. . / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / Although students seems to do well in applying the principles and practices for software design and development, it appears that there skills in software design could be strengthened. See Appendix VII.K / Further assessment is needed before program changes are recommended or implemented.
Objective / How
Measured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO12
Be able to effectively communicate orally. / Direct Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / Although most students seem to communicate orally well, some have difficulty. There may be a need to improve learning in this area. See Appendix VII.L / Further assessment is needed before program changes are recommended or implemented.
SLO13
Be able to effectively communicate in written form. / Direct assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / F 2005
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / A need to better detect and prevent plagiarism was identified. See Appendix VII.M / A departmental policy was developed to clarify issues for both students and faculty with respect to plagiarism.
SLO14
Be able to work effectively on a team. / Student teamwork surveys
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / Each semester
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each semester / A preliminary evaluation of the latest student teamwork surveys has been completed and further analysis is currently underway. See Appendix VII. N
SLO15
Demonstrate knowledge of the social impact of computing. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / This assessment is currently underway.
Objective / How
Measured / When Measured / Improvements
Identified / Improvements
Implemented
SLO16
Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical considerations of computing. / Informal Assessment
Core course exams and graded assignments
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys
Student course evaluations / S 2006
Each semester
Each semester in selected courses
Each year / This assessment is currently underway.
SLO17
Demonstrate the knowledge and capabilities necessary for pursuing a professional career or graduate studies. / Alumni surveys
Employer surveys
Professional Advisory Board Feedback
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys / Every 3-5 years
Every 3-5 years
Each year
Each semester in selected courses / The results of the latest Alumni surveys are currently being analyzed. See Appendix VII, sections Q and R for preliminary results.
SLO18
Recognize the need for, and show an ability for, continuing professional development. / Alumni surveys
Employer surveys
Professional Advisory Board Feedback
Senior exit and learning outcomes surveys / Every 3-5 years
Every 3-5 years
Each year
Each semester in selected courses / The results of the latest Alumni surveys are currently being analyzed. See Appendix VII, sections Q and R for preliminary results.