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Ist522campbellr Projectdefinition
Ist522campbellr Projectdefinition
Ist522campbellr Projectdefinition
Project Definition
Rob Campbell
Introduction
This instructional unit is designed to inform and reinforce learning about the Computer
Science Pathways at Gavilan College. Students will learn what a pathway is, why a pathway
matters, and what pathways are available in Computer Sciences. They will develop clarity about
which classes to take based on the specific pathway and program emphasis they have selected.
Needs Assessment
Navigating ones way through college can be challenging. A student may find themselves
asking many questions about where they are headed in their education and career, which courses
to take, placement test scores, prerequisites, and other intricacies of a successful--or sometimes
A student who is unclear on what courses to take to fulfill educational goals can waste
time and money on courses that dont take them in the right direction. They may not be aware of
educational prerequisites or remediation they may need to be prepared or eligible for the courses
they want to take. They may not realize alternative or parallel paths to their selected career,
where a few courses difference may separate them from the next level of achievement.
At present time these students get their information from course catalog, school web
Learner Profile
Learners who undertake this unit will be students who are interested in or preparing to
enter the Computer Sciences Program at Gavilan College. Many of these students may be in high
school or just graduated from high school, but some may be re-entry students with goals of
meaning they are over25 years of age, work full time, attend school part time, are independent
from parental support, and may have children. For students this can mean that they are at risk for
dropping out due to factors such as financial pressures, stress, lack of time, a sense of not fitting
in on campus. Factors for retention include self-motivation, on campus support, and family
encouragement (Reed, 2013). Of these factors, the only one that the college exerts real influence
Millar (2010) points out that as much as 50% of student who enroll in their first semester
of community college will not enroll for the second due to inaccurate self-assessment regarding
preparedness for college. Some of this may be attributed to understanding course expectations in
By completing this unit of instructional design, students will have a clear vision for their
path of success in Computer Science at Gavilan College. They will be confident in the direction
they have chosen and will be more likely to complete and enter the workforce at their desired
level. Students will have awareness of a variety of careers in computer science with good earning
potential, success rates will improve in certificate and degree pathways, transfer rates to
universities will improve, and the number of unnecessary coursework students engage in will be
reduced.
PROJECT DEFINITION: COMPUTER SCIENCE PATHWAYS 4
Project Outline
The duration of each part is designed to give enough time for effective completion but
not enough to reduce interest or engagement. Changing up and segmenting the content creates
natural break points that allow for self-pacing or completing the unit in more than one sitting.
This section of the training will demonstrate the concept of pathways. It will show the
kinds of results possible, such as certificates, degrees, and university transfer programs. It will
requirements. Possible consequences of not following a pathway will be discussed: not being
prepared for crucial courses, spending time and money taking courses that dont fit the pathway,
not matriculating to a university as desired, or simply not being adequately prepared for ones
chosen career.
Students will respond to a number of questions that help identify interests in computer
science careers. In addition there will be some skill tests that measure aptitude for basic
computer coursework through basic algebra and introductory coding applications. There is
likely another placement test used by Gavilan for placement in classes; this will merely be more
specific to computer science, and due to experiential proximity, may seem more relevant to the
learner.
Overviews of the general careers opened and accessed by computer science pathways,
including career implications, current income possibilities, required job skills, typical duties and
PROJECT DEFINITION: COMPUTER SCIENCE PATHWAYS 5
tasks, and room for advancement based on skills, aptitude, and education. Specific case studies
will be included demonstrating connections between education and careers, as well as exploring
people and what they do. In some cases the profile will be brief, while others may be more in-
depth.
Here students will be introduced to the differences between certificate pathways and
degree oriented pathways. Specific program emphases in computer sciences will be outlined,,
and courses needed for either degree or certificate pathways. Specific prerequisites and
placement tests will help learners understand how to be prepared for the courses ahead.
Technological and support resources, clubs, internships, and online courses will be covered. In
the case of online courses, the learner will understand what kind of work theyll be doing and the
This is a check for understanding. Unit content may be reviewed from here as needed.
Finally, students will practice creating an individual course program for themselves for a
one to two year plan of completion, addressing a specific pathway or emphasis. The activity will
have learners select courses and class schedules and provide feedback on selections. Students can
retake this portion as often as they like, and will be able to print results.
Conclusion
Further dialog with the client organization will bring more detail to this outline.
Identifying specific technological tools for assessments and activities will be important to
ensuring quality student engagement and results that endure with the learner. Finding available
PROJECT DEFINITION: COMPUTER SCIENCE PATHWAYS 6
video sources will be helpful. Original video production will be used for much of the pathway
specific content. Cooperation of faculty will be essential to getting correct information as well as
department branding through personal identification. This will be more effective than using
References