Upload
others
View
7
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Introduction to the Computer Science Profession
Janet BrunelleOld Dominion University
Aurelia T. WilliamsNorfolk State University
Course Goals
Course Management
Modules
Overall Success
Statistics
Student Reflections
To gain an accurate understanding of the
activities of a computer science professional
To enhance students’ ability to be successful
in this University as a computer science
major
Goal: To gain an accurate understanding of
the activities of a computer science
professional
The students will be able to:
Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions about
Computer Science
Understand the importance of relationship
networking
Understand the value of collaborative learning
and pair programming
Understand the value of and meet potential role
models
Goal: To enhance students’ ability to be
successful in this University as a computer
science major
The students will be able to
Learn the importance of getting to know your
peers
Learn how to cope with stress
Understand the value of mentors and learn how
to find them
Weekly meetings for 1 hour
Modules supplied by ODU Psychologists
Modules supplied by CS Faculty
Evaluation
Weekly Assignments
Attendance
Pass/ Fail course
Most students also enrolled in CS1course and
lab
Frequently Asked Questions about Computer
Science
Introduction to Mentors
Introduction to Role Models
Introduction to Relationship Networking
Introduction to Active Coping
Introduction to Collaborative Learning & Pair
Programming
Uses FAQ module
Computer Science Career module
Lecture directed toward Goal setting
Choosing a career in Computer Science
Identifying measures to reach career objectives with satisfaction
Activity Research dream job
Prepare a future resume
Develop a plan to reach your goal
(Career Services departments at both universities review the resumes and provide a lecture on how to improve it )
Introduction to Mentors module
The lecture material is directed toward:
Identifying and finding a mentor
Why students should have a mentor
Activity
List mentors and write a formal letter requesting
help and/or information
Uses Combined Role Model/Relationship Networking Modules
Lecture directed toward Understanding the difference between role models and a mentor
Identifying role models
Learning to SWAG (Socialize With A Goal)
Why networking is important
Exercise Discussion on the number of role models & how to choose the right
ones.
Activity List role models and why they are chosen
Success Students see why having more than one role model is beneficial
Identifying role models gives students someone to pattern themselves after
Uses the Actively Coping with Stress module
Lecture
Highlights the key stress factors for college
students
Getting Good Grades, Dorm Life, Money Management
Exercises
Stress Quiz
Successes
Students learn to ask for help early
Introduction to Collaborative Learning and
Pair Programming module
The lecture material is directed toward:
Advantages of working with others
Pair Programming strengths and fears
Team work and team building strategies
Exercise
Draw a keyboard
US layout
Illustrates benefits of working with others to
solve large, complicated problems
Activity
Summary
Short answer assignment administered via
Blackboard
Successes
Study groups
Meeting other students
More fun than working alone
Better solutions
Improves “soft” skills
Introduction to CS101
Computer Science Careers
Learning Styles
Ethics
Time Management
Resume Writing
Uses the Computer Science Careers module
based on http://computingcareers.acm.org
Complimentary module to FAQs
Lecture
Students are introduced to various career choices
within the Computer Science discipline
Exercises
Discussion of characteristics currently displayed
by students and how they map into a specific
career
Uses the Learning Styles module or http://www.cognitiveprofile.com/
Lecture
Students learn how they learn best using the cognitive profile
Exercises
Cognitive Profile Inventory (http://www.cognitiveprofile.com/cpionline)
Activity
Develop a flyer to advertise a Learning Styles workshop
Successes
Students learn how to study based on their profile
Uses the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Lecture Students learn ethical practices required of a CS
professional
http://www.acm.org/about/code-of-ethics
Exercises Discussion of an ethical situation
Activity Write a reflection statement based on the ethical
situation
Successes Students learn that as a computer scientist you may
have access to various types of data and you must always perform ethically.
Lecture
Highlights the key areas of a student’s college
life and proper attention to all factors
Sleep, Eat, Study, etc…
Exercises
Complete the time management chart
Successes
Eye opener to students
Lecture
Conducted by the University Career Services
office
Provides dos and don’ts for resume writing
Exercises
Update your current resume
Successes
Students have professional resume to circulate at
career fairs
Accomplished by meeting people in industry
invited as speakers
Provide realistic idea of job market
Identify skills and demands
Discuss daily activities (not just
programming)
Meet potential role models/mentors
Meet potential employers for internships
Most are CS alumni
Discuss their matriculation experience
Influence of role models & mentors
Current profession w/daily duties
Any advanced education or certifications
Mitre – day in the life of an engineer
Microsoft
ITT
Research faculty
BAE Systems
NSA
United States Navy
IBM
Students are able to ask very specific questions
of speaker’s experience
Students are able to relate due to common
backgrounds
Students develop mentor/mentee relationships
Students really begin to think about their future
and how the present influences it.
Students articulate wants much better
Students are more adept of their major, and
subsequent career choice
Retention of higher quality student has improved
Retention
Increased ~8%, roughly 60% since Fall 2005
Internship/Summer research activities
Students begin looking earlier
More freshmen attending after first year
Upperclassmen state that they wish there was a
CS101 when they were freshmen
“I didn’t know why I really majored in Computer
Science besides to make money but now I have
an idea of what I want to be.” –Harris
“As an incoming freshman to the Computer
Science major, I was able to experience firsthand
what it is going to take my entire four years to
be successful. The material is going to be
challenging and the workload won’t be easy but
for those who put forth the extra effort, you will
succeed.” -Gordon