COMPUTER SCIENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS PROGRAM REVIEW. Fall 2009 (Due 2007/2008)

(1)

Carla Hester-Croff

8/25/2008

C

OMPUTER

S

CIENCE

PROGRAM REVIEW

Fall 2009 (Due 2007/2008)

C

OMMITTEE

M

EMBERS

 Marilyn Bracken, Business Division Chair and Assistant Professor of Business/Accounting

 Carla Hester-Croff, Assistant Professor of Information Technology  Jennifer Allen, Assistant Professor of Computer Science/Office

Information Systems

 Leesa Lee, Assistant Professor of Office Information Systems  Christine Lustik, Director of Distance Education

 Sarah Stanley, Instructor of Mathematics

 Computer Science Instructors

02-09 Carla Hester-Croff, WWCC Assistant Professor of IT

07-09 Jennifer Allen, WWCC Assistant Professor of OIS/CS

(2)

C

OMPUTER

S

CIENCE PROGRAM REVIEW

Fall 2009 (Due 2007/2008)

S

ECTION

I:

O

VERVIEW

A. Program’s Purpose

The Computer Information Systems two-year program and certificates are designed to meet the needs of students who plan a career in computer science, web development and/or to increase their knowledge and experience in the Information Technology field.

The program purpose is to influence the factors used to attract, retain and matriculate a significant number of diverse computer science, and web development graduates with the skills and training that employers want to hire, and who can continue to grow and adapt in the global market.

B. Primary Program Goals & Program-Level Learning

Assessment

Primary Program Goals Program-Level Learning Assessment

1. Students will communicate

competently in the Computer Science field, using appropriate language and terminology.

Externally standardized exams in subject matter given by all course instructors. Presentation and/or demonstration of projects. Computer Science Student Survey Results.

2. Students will demonstrate effective and ethical use of current technology appropriate to the Computer Science field.

Externally standardized exams in subject matter given by all course instructors. Presentation and/or demonstration of projects. Computer Science Student Survey Results.

3. Computer Science students will demonstrate general knowledge of computer systems including using various programming languages to design, document, and implement programming code.

Externally standardized exams in subject matter given by all course instructors. Successful completion of functional computer programs.

4. Web Development student will plan, design, develop and maintain interactive dynamic Internet web pages using Web authoring tools and scripting programs.

Externally standardized exams in subject matter given by all course instructors. Successful completion of individual website.

(4)

A. E

The C semes hired The a Comp semes

Com

The fo

Com

The fo

Enrollmen

Computer Sci ster. To acco in the Fall 2 average stude puter Science ster.

mputer Scie

following tabl

mputer Info

following tabl

nt and Au

ience program ommodate th 2007 semeste ent enrollme e/Web Develo

ence & We

le summarize

ormation S

le summarize

udience

m enrollmen his increase in er. nt is between opment progr

eb Develop

es the growth

Systems Gr

es the CIS gr t has continu n enrollment n 60-75 stude ram graduate

ment Stud

h over the pa

raduates

raduates from ued to grow s t an additiona ents annually es an averag

dent Enrol

ast 5 years: m Spring 05 t since the Spr al faculty me y. Each year ge of 5 studen

llment

to Spring 08 ring of 2002 ember was r the nts per :

(5)

Com

The fo Sprin

Web

The fo

mputer Scie

following tabl ng 07:

Developm

following tabl

ence Class

le summarize

ment Gradu

le summarize

Enrollme

es the Compu

uates

es the CIS gr

nt

uter Science raduates from Class Enroll m Spring 05 t lment from S to Spring 08 Spring 02 to :

(6)

Web

The W towar II and they a the W

Phot

The fo

Developm

Web Developm rd the Web D d Web Page D are alternate Web Developm

toShop Stu

following tabl

ment Enrol

ment I cours Development Dynamics an ed during the ment Class E

udents

le summarize

llment

e can be used certificate, w nd Scripting a e Spring and Enrollment fr es the PhotoS d as a Compu which makes are part of th Fall semeste om Spring 02 Shop student uter Science enrollment h he Web Devel

ers. The follo 2 to Spring 0 ts from Sprin elective and/ higher. Web lopment Cert owing table s 07: ng 04 to Spri /or applied Developmen tificate and summarizes ng 08: nt

(7)

Inter

The fo

B. F

There Scien   

rnships

following tabl

Facilities

e are several nce courses: Software u be update Hardware programs correctly. Each seme le summarize

and Equi

items that n upgrades usu d and tested e upgrades us must be test ester the foll

es the intern

ipment

need to be add ually occur ev . sually occur e ted on the ma owing items nships from S dressed in or very two year every three y achines to ma must be don Spring 04 to S rder to effecti rs. The comp years. The C

ake sure eve ne with the la Spring 08: ively teach C puter lab ma Computer Sci rything is wo ab computer s Computer achines must ence orking systems: t

(8)

o Web server tested and maintained for student projects

o Network server tested and maintained for student programming files

o Shortcuts created on lab desktops for easy access during classroom time

o Computer Science programs available to students during non-classroom time

o Computer Science programs tested for bugs and problems

o Folder extensions displayed for students

o Menu options displayed for students

Currently, the CS department works with the Information Technology Department, Office Information Systems lab, the Distance Education Department and the Outreach coordinators to make sure the computer systems are working effectively for students.

Web Server

This coming academic year Fall 08/Spr 09, the Information Technology (IT) Department has designated a web server for Computer Science courses. However, the new server will not be fully tested until the Fall 08 semester. The CS Department attempted to test the web server during the Spr 08 semester, however had problems with the server working with the Vista operating system. Currently, working with IT to resolve issues.

Web Server History

Previously, the Computer Science (CS) Department had requested a dedicated web server to allow administrative rights to the department to enable student to create interactive web pages that include the use of databases and .asp forms. In the past and recently, the CS Department has been using the assess1 web server (e-portfolio server) to complete Computer Science projects. At this time, students are not able to create interactive websites with databases or .asp forms using the current available web space.

Student Use of Servers

The students in the Web Development courses implement their own individual websites as final and midterm projects. These projects include items that have been covered in these courses. What is done currently:

 The CS Department has been using the assess1 web server (e-portfolio server) to post student individual websites under the webdev directory.

 Students are shown how to upload to web server space to post their web items for their classes http://assess1.wwcc.wy.edu/webdev. Research on the Internet shows other colleges doing the same.

 The websites are removed and backed up after each semester. Then, new folders are created for new students each semester.

Challenges

The below items have to be maintained on a regular basis and are challenges for the Computer Science area:

 Maintaining consistency with lab computer set ups

o Clean working area for students

o Missing mouse pads

(9)

o Keyboards broken o Wiring out of place

 Instructor computers set up appropriately  Student computers burning out frequently  Access to network servers

 Cross training of lab assistants

C. Printed Materials and Website

Faculty members review the catalog descriptions, website, brochure and recruiting letters annually to make sure everything is kept updated. At present time program is convenient that printed materials and website meet the current need.

Catalog

Over the past several years, the department has updated the CIS program within the catalog by eliminating old courses, adding new courses, reviewing and revising course descriptions. Each academic year the catalog is revisited for accuracy.

Course Syllabi

Computer Science course outlines identify the Goals for Student Success and how specific course objectives relate to these institution-wide goals. During the Fall 08 – Spr 09 academic year, the department would like to include measurements of successful completion of these goals for each Computer Science course.

Website

The Computer Science staff implemented the Business Division websites including the Computer Science website (http://www.wwcc.wy.edu/xcs), which contains information regarding the program and course descriptions relative to the CS program. This website is updated on a regular basis.

Brochure

A brochure was created identifying the Computer Science program and includes comments from students who have participated and graduated from the program or certification. In the past the department has used a 3-fold brochure; during the Fall 08 – Spr 09 academic year a standalone flyer will be created for distribution. This flyer will include the CIS program and Web Development Certification information.

Recruiting Letter

The Computer Science letter is sent to prospective students and is updated annually.

Promotion of Computer Science

The Computer Science department is continually promoting within the community. Some of the promotional material and methods are listed below:

 Posters and Flyers

 Letters Sent to Potential Students  Brochures

(10)

 Computer Science Website  Advertisements in Newspapers

 Advertisements on Television (Channel 13)  Radio Talk Show (The Radio Network)

 WWCC Career Day, WWCC Counselor Day, WWCC Business Day, WWCC Free Day and participation in Student Orientations

 WWCC Senior Day: Awarded Senior Scholarships each year (participate every

year in this event). Provides full-time in-state tuition for four consecutive

semesters. Applicants must have a 3.10 cumulative GPA (through seven semesters of high school) and a composite of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT. A limited number of Senior Scholarships are awarded – there is 1 awarded for Computer Science.

 Nominated 6 Computer Science students for WWCC Outstanding Graduate  Division Scholarship: there is 1 awarded for Computer Science

 NASA Scholarships: Currently the WWCC Representative (since Fall 2005) o Spr 07 & Spr 08 awarded 16 scholarships

o Spr 09 awarded 9 scholarships

 UW NASA Community College Transfer Scholarships

 Computer Science Internships – 9 students participated in internship projects  6 Computer Science students obtained jobs with Western Wyoming Community

College

 3 Computer Science students obtained jobs within the state of Wyoming  3 Computer Science students won awards at the University of Wyoming  Highlighting Students in Publications

 Computer Science Community Involvement Luncheon with organizations that Computer Science students worked on projects.

Community Outreach

In addition, students in the more advanced courses work on community websites. Students select businesses or organizations in the community to partner with for Web Development. The CS Department students have worked on the following projects, since the Web

Development Certificate has been in place:  WWCC Women’s Fair Website  WWCC Theatre Website

 WWCC Business Division Websites  WWCC Free Day Website

 Eden Valley History Society Website  County Commissioners Website

 Rocky Mountain Safety Environment Council  Sheriff Office Website

The CS Department recommends hosting services to the organizations that need this service. CS students provide instructions to the clients to maintain their websites once completed. The objective of the CS Web Interns is to work on web development projects with the understanding that they are students and the process will be gradual.

(11)

In order to promote computer science, the CS Department conducts LAN Parties once a month. The following are items required for equipment set up for this event:

 Getting gaming software approved through the IT Department, in order to NOT damage network or software connections needed for the OIS lab

 Testing the gaming software  Reserving OIS computer lab  Notifying security

D. Staff Development

The Computer Science program was initiated in 2000 after years of being “mothballed” primarily because of the difficulty hiring qualified faculty. In 2002, the program was reinitiated with the hiring of Carla Hester-Croff. To keep current in the field staff have participated in the following training, committees, and conferences:

 Masters in Education emphasis in Instructional Technology from UW  Participate in Blackboard meetings for Distance Education

 Participate in various campus committees such as; Distance Education, Senate, Curriculum, and Technology

 Participate in the Wyoming Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, and Computer Science Articulation Planning Committee and Meetings

 Serve on the Wyoming Space Grant Advisory Board

 Serve on the Community College SMET Scholarship Committee  Attended and presented at the WYDEC Conference

 Participated in both Facilitating Online Learning courses

 Attended 3-week Online Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Training and other Quality Matters courses

 Attended and presented at Course Technology Conferences

 Implemented Instructor Resources for Course Technology – A Publisher of Computer Textbooks we use at WWCC.

New Hire

As a result of the growth of the Computer Science program a full-time faculty member was hired. During the Fall 07/Spr 08 academic year, Jennifer Allen was hired as a Office Information Systems/Computer Science instructor. Jennifer is working on getting up to speed in the programming aspect of Computer Science by currently team teaching. The first year, Jennifer participated in the following:

 Department Scholarships  Science Fair

 Course Technology Conference  Cross Training in Computer Science  Distance Education Training

Adjunct Faculty

Currently, the adjunct faculty and concurrent enrollment for the main computer course COSC 1200 Computer Information Systems is handled by the Office Information Systems

(12)

(OIS) area. There have been several items addressed during the Academic Year Fall07-Spr08:

 COSC 1200 Computer Information Systems Standardized Syllabus

 Improvement of communication with COSC Adjunct Faculty. It is recommended to contact the adjunct faculty at the beginning of each semester, to inform them about the COSC 1200 forum on Mustang Cruiser and any needs they may have before starting classes.

The following are the minimum requirements for teaching Computer Science (COSC) courses:

E. Recommendations from the Previous Program Review

Currently, there isn’t a previous program review to base recommendations. Below are recommendations to consider from 2006-present:

Recommendations from 2006-Present

Program Review Actions

Cross Train Continue to cross train new faculty member.

Improve collaboration Improve collaboration with adjunct faculty

and other departments that work closely with Computer Science i.e. Office

Information Systems.

Improve type of course offerings Currently, implement 8 to 10 week block

classes to meet the needs of students, stack classes to increase enrollment and cross list classes along with other departments. Improve the offerings and ways of conducting these classes.

College-Wide Goals for Student Success Include the courses’ primary goals and

measure successful completion of these goals in chart format in all Computer Science

Department: COMPUTER SCIENCE and WEB DEVELOPMENT

Course Degree Experience Department Contact Minimum Degree required

COSC 1010

Computer Science, Information Technology or Related

Field 3 years work or teaching in subject area Carla Hester-Croff Minimum Degree required:

COSC 1200

Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, Business Education, or E-Business. Any Bachelor's Degree will be considered if the applicant has a wealth of experience with the concepts and

applications of the course. 2 years work or teaching in subject area Leesa Lee Minimum Degree required

COSC 1350

Computer Science, Information Technology, E-Business or

Equivalent Web Experience 2 years work or teaching in subject area Carla Hester-Croff Minimum Degree required

COSC 1360

Computer Science, Information Technology or Related

Field 3 years work or teaching in subject area Carla Hester-Croff

At this time we are NOT approving the following classes:

COSC 1030 Computer Science I (which is the 2nd level) COSC 2350 Web Development II

COSC 2360 Web Page Dynamics & Scripting COSC 2409 Programming (Visual Basic) COSC 2800 Computer Science Portfolio/Capstone

(13)

syllabuses.

Improve High School and College Relations Work with local high schools on CS college

courses.

S

ECTION

III:

F

OCUS ON THE

F

UTURE

A. Strengths, Limitations, and Opportunities

The following are the strengths, limitations and opportunities in the Computer Science area:

Strengths:

 Program is offered completely online.

 Providing innovative instruction to students with technology i.e. MyCodeMate for programming classes.

 One-on-one assistance for students from faculty.

 Successful in implementing several Computer Science internships.  Offering new Computer Science courses as topic courses.

 Provide stacked classes with online and classroom students to increase enrollment.

 Implement various online courses.

 Online courses have been submitted to Blackboard Greenhouse program and

Quality Matters to improve quality of online courses.

 Offer online hours for online students.

 Offer students opportunities to work with community organizations on CS projects.

 Offer students CS scholarships on a regular basis.

 Conduct student events to promote program i.e. LAN parties.

Limitations:

 Heavy workloads are a challenge for instructors.

 Implementing and teaching online Computer Science courses requires more time then classroom courses.

 Other staff needing to be fully trained.

 Computer equipment and software needs are sometimes limited due to budget.

Opportunities:

 Growing course offerings in Computer Science with stack classes, 8-10 week block classes and online.

 Having fully trained personnel.

 Increasing community involvement with students.

 Continuing to improve online and classroom course content.

B. Action Plan

(14)

Task or Action Purpose Measure of Success

Who is Responsible? Implement a Digital Design

Certificate

To meet the industry need for these skills Enrollment of classes Computer Science/Office Information Systems Departments Offer Stack Classes in Computer

Science (blends online and

classroom students in same course section)

To meet the need of online and classroom students Enrollment of classes Computer Science Department

Tasks Dependent on Funding

(Provide estimated cost)

Data to Justify Need, and Consequence of Not Funding

Who is responsible?

Second Year: 2009-10

Task or Action Purpose Measure of Success Who is Responsible? Designated web server for

students

To provide a stable web server environment for students and courses Web server is functional Computer Science and Information Technology Departments Implement Community Outreach

Projects in Course Curriculum

To provide students real-world experience and to promote Computer Science program at WWCC. Successful completion of projects and customer satisfaction (minutes from project showcase meeting) Computer Science

(15)

Implement a series of Computer Gaming Events (LAN Parties)

To support student clubs, participation in student life at WWCC and promote Computer Science program Attendance and verbal feedback Computer Science

Tasks Dependent on Funding

Who is responsible?

Third Year: 2010-11

Task or Action Purpose Measure of

Success

Who is Responsible? Combine course content for Web

Development and Digital Design certificates To meet the needs of students and effective use of full-time faculty and resources Enrollment and verbal feedback from faculty Computer Science Department

Implement Advisory Council for Web Development & Digital Design Certificate To receive feedback from industry partners Implementation of Advisory Council and member participation Computer Science and Office Information Systems Departments

(16)

Collaborate with White

Mountain Library on Computer Gaming Events with

Sponsorship from SBOCES

To support student clubs, participation in student life at WWCC. To promote Computer Science program to the greater Sweetwater community. Attendance and survey feedback Computer Science Department, White Mountain Library staff and SBOCES

Finalize plans for Computer Science/Engineering Summer Camp Community outreach and promotion of Computer Science and Engineering Participation and survey feedback Computer Science and Engineering Departments with assistance from SBOCES and University of Wyoming Tasks Dependent on Funding

Who is responsible?

COMPUTER SCIENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS PROGRAM REVIEW. Fall 2009 (Due 2007/2008)

Carla Hester-Croff

8/25/2008

C

OMPUTER

S

CIENCE

PROGRAM REVIEW

Fall 2009 (Due 2007/2008)

C

OMMITTEE

M

EMBERS

 Computer Science Instructors

02-09 Carla Hester-Croff, WWCC Assistant Professor of IT

07-09 Jennifer Allen, WWCC Assistant Professor of OIS/CS

Table of Contents

C

OMPUTER

S

CIENCE PROGRAM REVIEW

Fall 2009 (Due 2007/2008)

S

ECTION

I:

O

VERVIEW

A. Program’s Purpose

B. Primary Program Goals & Program-Level Learning

Assessment

A. E

Com

Com

Enrollmen

mputer Scie

mputer Info

nt and Au

ence & We

ormation S

udience

eb Develop

Systems Gr

ment Stud

raduates

dent Enrol

llment

Com

Web

mputer Scie

Developm

ence Class

ment Gradu

Enrollme

uates

nt

Web

Phot

Developm

toShop Stu

ment Enrol

udents

llment

Inter

B. F

rnships

Facilities

and Equi

ipment

Web Server

Web Server History

Student Use of Servers

Challenges

C. Printed Materials and Website

Catalog

Course Syllabi

Website

Brochure

Recruiting Letter

Promotion of Computer Science

Community Outreach