Author First name, Last name, Institution

Maurice Danaher, Zayed University
Kevin Schoepp, Tulum

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Journal of Information Technology Education: Research

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Abstract

© 2020 Informing Science Institute. Aim/Purpose Within higher education, graduating students who are able to solve ill-structured, complex, open-ended, and collaborative, workplace problems is rec-ognized as paramount. Because of this, there is a need to assess this skill across the curriculum. Background This paper addresses this issue by assessing problem-solving across a computing curriculum using an assessment instrument shown to be reliable and valid. Methodology The method is based upon the implementation of the assessment instrument that uses a scenario-based asynchronous discussion board measuring the ability of student groups to solve workplace problems. The sample are computing stu-dents from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th year, and master's levels at a UAE university. Contribution This paper shows the problem-solving skills of students over four years of study across a computing curriculum and demonstrates the effectiveness of the instrument. Findings There was a general increase in student problem-solving performance from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th year, and master's levels, but students often failed to meet the ex-pected level of performance for their year of study. In addition, the instrument was effective in assessing problem-solving. Recommendations for Practitioners This assessment instrument, or one similar, that uses a scenario-based asyn-chronous discussion board can be used to measure the ability of student groups to solve workplace problems. Impact on Society Students must be prepared to solve workplace problems to meet the needs of 21st century employment. Future Research Further research should be conducted with this assessment instrument, or one similar, outside of this fairly unique UAE-based context.

ISSN

1539-3585

Publisher

Informing Science Institute

Volume

19

First Page

1

Last Page

16

Disciplines

Education

Keywords

Asynchronous discussion, Computing education, Workplace problems

Scopus ID

85084487339

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series

Included in

Education Commons

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