Designing a Network and Systems Computing Curriculum: The Stakeholders and the Issues

Autor/inn/en	Tan, Grace; Venables, Anne
Titel	Designing a Network and Systems Computing Curriculum: The Stakeholders and the Issues
Quelle	In: Journal of Information Technology Education, 9 (2010), (10 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1547-9714
Schlagwörter	Curriculum Development; Information Technology; Curriculum Design; Computer Science Education; Information Systems; Stakeholders; Computer Networks; Information Networks; Barriers; Instructional Development; Instructional Design; Course Descriptions; Relevance (Education); Foreign Countries; Australia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Curriculum; Development; Curriculumentwicklung; Lehrplan; Entwicklung; Informationstechnologie; Lehrplangestaltung; Computer science lessons; Informatikunterricht; Computernetz; Computernetze; Kommunikationsnetz; Informationsnetz; Teaching improvement; Unterrichtsentwicklung; Lesson concept; Lessonplan; Unterrichtsentwurf; Kursstrukturplan; Relevance; Relevanz; Ausland; Australien
Abstract	Since 2001, there has been a dramatic decline in Information Technology and Computer Science student enrolments worldwide. As a consequence, many institutions have evaluated their offerings and revamped their programs to include units designed to capture students' interests and increase subsequent enrolment. Likewise, at Victoria University the trend of declining student numbers warranted examination of the existing computing programs and their viability; extensive reviews recommended that all existing undergraduate computing programs should be replaced by a single, new, three-year offering in network and systems computing. The decision was supported by extensive market research and evidence of a strong market demand and future needs for networking and systems specialists in Australia. In designing this new degree program, it was necessary to identify the needs of various stakeholders, such as students, academics, the university, industry, and the professional body. Surveys of recent graduates and industry partners, reinforced by professional accreditation demands, indicated the need for a program to include up-to-date technical competencies and the development of work-readiness skills in students. Aware of University requirements, academics undertook considerable discussion with their peers and thorough research of similar programs elsewhere in preparation for the development of the curriculum in network and systems computing. The resultant program structure is a divergence from the traditional computer science offering of our Faculty. It is innovative in its incorporation of industry-based certifications to allow students to gain relevant practical, hands-on work-related experience. The program consists of instruction in core competencies in networks and communications, supported by the teaching of skills in computer systems, programming, and database systems. Each of these proficiencies is further consolidated by professional development studies. The new program aligns with the University's strategic directions and satisfies professional body accreditation and it is expected to meet student expectations and fulfil a market need for graduates skilled in systems administration with networking expertise. (Contains 3 tables.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Informing Science Institute. 131 Brookhill Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95409. Tel: 707-537-2211; Fax: 480-247-5724; Web site: http://JITE.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10