Redesigning computer-based labs to be more engaging by identifying and implementing use cases relevant to students

TitleRedesigning computer-based labs to be more engaging by identifying and implementing use cases relevant to students
Faculty/College/UnitScience
StatusActive
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2024
Project Summary

CPSC 210 is a course where students learn to build complex software. While the term project is considered the most exciting part because students select their use case, the labs appear less engaging because use cases are pre-defined. To address this, we propose revamping the labs using a new framework that identifies use cases relevant to students in alignment with the learning objectives. We have started developing this framework by redesigning Lab 4 as the first test case. We will pilot the redesigned lab in 2023W2, collect survey data to compare students' perceptions of the old and new versions and continue this work with Lab 8. With this proposal, we seek funding to proceed and apply the framework to the remaining labs over the next two years, from 2024W1 to 2025W2.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2024/2025
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorSteven Wolfman
Year 1: Funded Amount7,048
Year 1: Team Members

Steven Wolfman, Professor of Teaching, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Paul Carter, Professor of Teaching, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Mehrdad Oveisi, Lecturer, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Firas Moosvi, Lecturer, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Stephan Koenig, Science Education Specialist, Computer Science and Skylight, Faculty of Science