In the Spring of 2007, The Department of Computer Science sought to develop a learning model that incorporates faculty supervision, expert peer mentors and interactive learning material that will enable our students to gain confidence in their technological skills, while increasing their ability to solve problems independently. CS102, Introduction to Computer Applications, was selected as the target course and two sections were delivered, one with the traditional method and one with the new, self-directed method. Various data were gathered before and after the course and compared to determine what, if any, differences occurred. The overall results determined that neither class significantly out performed the other in the quantitative measures, and the qualitative measures were also favorable (as predicted) for the self-directed experimental group. The conclusion was reached that teaching computer applications using a student mentor and guided discovery software for learning is as effective as having a full-time professor leading a class. As a result, all CS102 classes are now delivered in this self-directed method.

For the complete assessment of this program, please refer to the Faculty Development Committee Grants and Mini-Grants Program Assessment Form.