aas degree---- multimedia and web design

CPT-CPM Assessment of Learning Report Fall 2006-Spring 2008

Assessment of Learning Report Computer Science CPT/CPM

Fall 2006 – Spring 2008

AAS DEGREE: Computer Programming

AAS DEGREE: Database Management

AAS DEGREE: Management Information Systems

AAS DEGREE: Multimedia and Web Design

AAS DEGREE: Telecommunications

I. Introduction and Background

Mission Statements

St. Charles Community College:

St. Charles Community College is an affordable, and accredited, accessible learning

environment providing life-changing opportunities for personal growth and professional

success.

Computer Science:

The Computer Science Program's mission is to offer both academic and vocational

computer science programs that are responsive to the information technology needs

of business and industry, as well as responsive to the personal and professional

objectives of our students. We are committed to excellence in instruction and will

recruit and retain a professional faculty imbued with real world, cutting edge

experience and expertise.

Progress since the last report

The C# (C Sharp) programming language class has been implemented, per

recommendation by IT Advisory.

CPT 121 Data Communications has been developed and implemented as an

online class.

CPM 160 HTML has been developed and implemented as an online class.

CPM 200 XML has been developed as an online class for implementation SP10.

CPM 280 Javascript has been developed as an online class for implementation

SP09.

CPM 190 Dynamic Programming Languages has been developed and

implemented as an online class.

CPM 251 Actionscript has been developed as an online course for

implementation SU09.


A new TSA (Technical Skills Assessment) tool has been developed and

implemented for the MIS, Database, and Computer Programming AAS degrees.

The Business Computing AAS degree has been dropped, in favor of the industry-

recognized MIS degree.

Prerequisites were dropped on software-specific courses CPM 210, CPM 220,

CPM 240, CPM 250, and CPM 270, to encourage increased enrollments.

The software being used in the Multimedia/Web Design capstone has been

updated to reflect programs currently in use by local businesses.

Program Goals

Computer Programming:

Programs solve problems or perform tasks on a computer. Programmers translate the

solutions or tasks into a language the computer can understand. This degree

introduces students to programming concepts, enforcing good style and logical

thinking. Students will become proficient in the syntax of several programming

languages in active use in the business community.

Characteristics of good programs

1. Produces good correct output

2. Easy to read and understand

3. Properly documented (internal & external)

4. Easily maintained

Database Management:

The Database Management degree will provide students with the fundamentals of the

relational database model, structured query language (SQL), data modeling,

database design, and database administration. Truly effective use of current PC-based

and server-based DBMSs is utilized throughout the program.

Database topics include:

Creating and managing databases, tables, transaction logs, triggers, and stored

procedures

Enforcing data integrity using constraints, defaults, and rules

Writing queries that manipulate data effectively

Plan/design data for appropriate use by users and application programs

Management Information Systems

IT professionals who, in addition to technical skills, have strong business acumen and

interpersonal communication competencies are sought after as they assume larger

and more visible roles as corporate strategists. SCC’s MIS degree emphasizes the

practical aspects of computing, plus the business background to be able to best serve

the computer needs of the business community.

Management Information Systems topics include:

Systems Analysis and Design


Fundamentals of Business

Fundamentals of Database Management

Computerized Accounting

Computer Security

Business/Computer Ethics

Multimedia & Web Design:

The Multimedia and Web Design program will prepare students with the necessary skills

to develop and create multimedia projects and web pages using a variety of

resources, hardware and application programs. Integration of concepts, program

applications, hardware components, research tools and design will be focused

creating real-life projects.

The student will create multimedia presentations and web pages using a variety

of program applications implementing the concepts of design including goals,

flowcharts, storyboards, scripting and design techniques

The student will define terms, identify file types, download files, use hardware and

compression techniques used in multimedia

The student will identify concepts and patent laws related to copyrighted

materials used in multimedia

The student will create, edit, capture and import graphics, video, sound, and

animations both for multimedia presentations and the web

The student will integrate a variety of scripting languages to enhance

interactivity within multimedia and web design projects

Telecommunications:

This degree gives the student a firm background in understanding the principles

involved in data communications. This program provides a thorough knowledge of

protocols, networking, and the convergence of TV, radio, telephony and computer

networks.

Topics include:

Latest wireless technologies

Encryption standards and digital signatures

Frame Relay and Asynchronous Transfer Mode systems

Modern multiplexing techniques

Cellular telephone technologies

Voice over Internet Protocol technology

Program Objectives

Computer Programming:

The student will demonstrate proficiency in these areas:

1. Logic presentation (algorithm, pseudocode, etc.)

2. Coding specifications

3. Program listing

4. Computer generated report

5. Other documentation as required based on the program involved



The student will express the aptitude to complete the following:

1. Create and manage files, file groups, databases, and tables

2. Write queries that retrieve and modify data using joins and subqueries

3. Manage locking options and transactions to ensure data concurrency and

recoverability

4. Create and maintain indexes

5. Using tools within PC-based and server-based Database Management System

(DBMS) software

Management Information Systems:

The student will display skills for the following:

1. Planning, designing and implementing technology initiatives to maintain

corporate competitiveness

2. Coordinating business marketing and management needs with IT capabilities

3. Time management to balance the load between multiple projects

4. Ethical use of computer technology in business

5. Training end-users to be most productive in their jobs


The student will exhibit the following talents:

1. Create and interactive, non-linear web site to serve as their portfolio of projects

they have completed in the Multimedia and Web Design program during their

academic pursuits at SCC.

2. Preparation of goals, objectives, stated target audience and style prior to

working on projects.

3. Creating a flowchart, script and storyboard of proposed project that includes file

formats, navigation and scripting

4. Integrating within the project at least two other multimedia software applications

to create their own artwork or animations

5. Knowing and abide by copyright rules and restrictions

6. Creating the project with scripting included

7. Testing and debug the project

8. Saving the project files as an HTML file to display on the Internet for potential

employers to access.

Telecommunications:

The student will display the expertise to:

1. Define a protocols and how it is used in a network

2. Differentiate WAN, LAN, Internet and wireless protocols

3. Describe hardware and software security issues and systems

4. Explain the convergence of TV, radio, telephony, and computer networks.


Skills Assessment

Computer Programming,

Database Management,


For Computer Programming, Database Management, and Management Information

Systems (MIS) a culminating project within CPT 200 Systems Analysis and Design is being

used for skills assessment. This project is a group presentation of an analysis of a

computer system, including recommendations for upgrades and security.

Specifics on the content of the assessment project and a scoring rubric are as follows:

excellent good fair poor

not done

not applicable

Decision-making

developed/described logic and formulas used 5 4 3 2 1 0

Output

serves the intended purpose 5 4 3 2 1 0

well organized/designed 5 4 3 2 1 0

Forms

easy to fill in 5 4 3 2 1 0

meet the intended purpose 5 4 3 2 1 0

ensure accuracy and completion 5 4 3 2 1 0

User Interface

includes guidelines for meaningful communication 5 4 3 2 1 0

solicits user feedback 5 4 3 2 1 0

Security

planning for security found throughout design 5 4 3 2 1 0

hardware security is included 5 4 3 2 1 0

software security is included 5 4 3 2 1 0

user education is clearly planned 5 4 3 2 1 0

Databases

appropriate use throughout the design 5 4 3 2 1 0

Attention to details

exhibited throughout project 5 4 3 2 1 0

Teamwork

completed appropriate role in the team 5 4 3 2 1 0

overall feedback from the team 5 4 3 2 1 0

Multimedia and Web Design:

Students in the Multimedia and Web Design program were assessed in the capstone

class CPM 230 course designing and creating a web page portfolio that implemented

the theories and applications learned not only in this course but other courses within the

program and to display the work produced as a student at SCC. The final project was


graded for the skills assessment. The project was to design and create an interactive,

web portfolio. The project was to display their work, add contact information and their

resume using concepts taught in the class while integrating a variety of software

applications/scripting the student had learned in the program. Adobe Flash and

Dreamweaver were the main software applications used for the project. Storyboard

production along with stated goals, objectives and target audience; observance of

copyright laws; design theory; debugging and beta-testing; and saving as an HTML

document were also required. The instructor Jane O’Donnell administered the project

in Spring 2008. The results were scored with the attached rubric.

Scoring Rubric

Project objectives and goals are clearly stated 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Full scripting details are included 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Detailed storyboards 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Multimedia elements/Design techniques 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Subject knowledge 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Originality 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Consistency 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Graphical design 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Navigation 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Technical requirements 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Integration of application programs 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Saving as HTML files and FTP files 65% 75% 85% 95-100%

Telecommunications:

Embedded within the Telecommunications Capstone Course CPT 249 Network

Architectures & Protocols, the student explores many of the protocols applicable in

current telecommunications within a project. The student defines the protocols and

applies the use of the protocols within various networking and telecommunications

areas. Three high-speed wide area network configurations are compared and

contrasted. Computer network security, especially when including the Internet, is

identified; possible solutions are presented. The convergence of voice telephone

systems with computer networks and the Internet, and the effects on today's society, is

researched as well.

The finished project displays the student's ability to research current issues and compile

a comprehensive report.

Rubric

Excellent Poor

Define each protocol and how it

is used in a network 5 4 3 2 1

Differentiate WAN, LAN, Internet and 5 4 3 2 1

wireless protocols

Describe hardware and software 5 4 3 2 1

security issues and systems


Academic Assessment Plan

At the beginning of Fall 2000 Semester, all vocational programs were notified of the

requirement of some type of academic assessment performance would be reported

yearly in order to remain eligible for special funding by federal and state agencies

through the State Plan from DESE and CBHE bodies of Missouri. ACT WorkKeys was

chosen to evaluate the students’ skills in areas such as reading, writing, analysis/critical

thinking, and decision-making. Computer Science chose the following WorkKeys tests:

Reading for Information

This computerized multiple choice test contains 33 problems to be completed in

55 minutes. Students can score between levels three through seven, with seven

being the highest. Students are reading passages from actual workplace

business documents and are expected to respond to questions about the

content of these documents. Reading skills and analysis/decision-making skills

are measured by their answers

Locating Information

This computerized multiple choice test contains 38 problems to be completed in

55 minutes. Students can score between levels three through six, with six being

the highest. Students are observing workplace documents containing graphics,

forms, charts, tables, etc., and are expected to glean information from these

documents to answer the questions accurately and in a timely manner. These

skills are needed by SCC graduates every day in the workplace.

Three (3) is the minimum expected score for Computer Science students to achieve on

each WorkKeys test. The students take these tests in the Assessment Center in the

Administration Building, Room 1206 throughout the semester that the student is enrolled

in the “capstone” course for each degree.

Data, results, analysis, interpretation, discussion, implication

and action begin on the next page, since these items will change

on all future reports.


II. Data and Results

Assessment Data

Academic Assessment

Maintain 80% Level

Student ID

Locating Information

Reading for Information

Skills

Assessment Score%

or above for Skills Assessment?

Computer Programming XXXXXX na na 60 No XXXXXX 5 5 98 Yes

XXXXXX 5 5 98 Yes

XXXXXX 4 6 98 Yes

Database Management

XXXXXX 4 5 98 Yes

Management Information Systems XXXXXX 4 6 86 Yes

XXXXXX 3 5 98 Yes

Multimedia & Web Design XXXXXX na na 28 No XXXXXX na na 99 Yes

XXXXXX na na 90 Yes

XXXXXX 5 5 88 Yes

XXXXXX na na 86 Yes

XXXXXX na na 95 Yes

XXXXXX na na 46 No

XXXXXX 5 5 85 Yes

XXXXXX na na 85 Yes

XXXXXX na na 98 Yes

XXXXXX na na 85 Yes

XXXXXX na na 85 Yes

XXXXXX na na 85 Yes

XXXXXX na na 85 Yes

XXXXXX na na 85 Yes

Telecommunications

XXXXXX na na 87 Yes

na=

student was not available for testing due to relocation

or student started SCC before Assessment was required and refused to do

the testing

or software for testing in the Assessment Center did not work properly when

student came to take the test(s)

or student had already taken the capstone course prior to assessment

testing component


III. Data analysis and interpretation

Over the past two years, all students have scored at or above the minimum (3) on the

WorkKeys tests. We are still confident that the WorkKeys tests chosen are the correct

ones for this measurement.

Skills Assessment scores are also still very high. Only three (3) students did not do well on

their Skills Assessments. These comprehensive assessment tools are demonstrating our

students’ proficiency in their respective fields of study.

Computer Programming students are exhibiting high-level programming skills.

Adding gaming and robotics within the advanced classes has increased

students enthusiasm and work quality.

Database Management students are gaining quality experience working hands-

on with server-based database software from multiple vendors.

Management Information Systems students have developed the business skills as

well as the technical skills current employers are requesting.

Multimedia students’ quality software and scripting skills in their capstone course

persists.

The Telecommunications students clearly understands the convergence of

voice, data, television, radio, and telephone technologies.

Students are displaying more energy and interest in teamwork projects. Time

management skills have improved in all degree programs.


IV. Discussions with

IT Advisory Committee and faculty

Per IT Advisory Board meetings over the past several semesters, the following are some

of topics that have been discussed and implemented as applicable within SCC

computer courses

Project management skills continue in many courses

o Deadlines continue to be strictly enforced

o Students are being held responsible for troubleshooting of their programs

Soft skills

o Written work must be in complete sentences; grammar is graded

o Formal presentations are required in more classes

o Informal presentations, such as postings to discussion boards in WebCT, are

required in more classes

Group/team activities

o More in-class assignments are now being assigned to a group of students to

reinforce collaboration on one finished product

Computer/Information security remains an important emphasis in all courses

The Business Computing AAS degree has been dropped to be replaced by the

MIS AAS degree.

Faculty

Adjusted course offerings in Multimedia to accommodate lower enrollments.

Implemented gaming and robotics components to appropriate courses to

increase student interest in IT professions: Flash, Premiere, and Director have

gaming components; Advanced Java and C++ include gaming and robotics.

CPT121, CPM160, CPM190, CPM200, CPM251, and CPM280 have all been

developed as online courses.

Additional parts of online course software is being used in more courses, such as

the grading tool for student reference.

The final systems analysis project in CPT 200 has been implemented for skill

assessment for Computer Programming, Databasement Management, and

Management Information Systems degrees.


V. Implications for improvement or changes

Computer Programming

The final systems analysis project in CPT 200 has been implemented for skill assessment.

Consider using Python instead of PHP in the Database Programming course.

Implement a robotics challenge between the C++ and Advanced Java students.

Enrollments are growing, especially COBOL programmers returning to school for

retraining.


The DB2 and Perl courses are still to be developed.


This program needs to be actively marketed to increase awareness.



This program needs to be actively marketed to increase awareness.


Students continue to see the value of creating detailed flowcharts and storyboards.

If students do not meet project deadlines points will be deducted to reinforce the

concept of timeliness. To enhance trouble shooting skills we will reinforce beta-testing

and quality checks, using the help files and the support web pages from the software

manufacturer before the final project is turned in.

More real-life business applications need to be added (via non-profit organizations, for

example) for students to get practical experience.

Telecommunications:

We need to actively work with Telecommunications members of our IT Advisory to

review our curriculum, considering what SCC can do (within budget) to better present

wireless technology topics.

If SCC cannot cover newer Telcom technologies adequately, we may need to discuss

dropping the program, or putting it on hold.


VI. Action steps

Evaluate development of computer-based training into additional courses

Persist with teamwork/project activities in the classrooms

Manage course offerings as enrollments increase

Continue enforcing deadlines for coursework, especially projects

Develop animations to better demonstrate some of the concepts/theory in the

Data Communications course (especially now that it’s online)

Actively market all IT degrees, to increase enrollments (to better assess student

success)

Decide who should contact non-profit organizations for obtaining real-life

projects for students to complete.

Review using Python instead of PHP in the Database Programming course (what

is the community using?)

Check results of student success in the new online courses (especially, how do

the results compare to traditional on-campus classes?)

Discuss the future of the Telecommunication program

aas degree---- multimedia and web design

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