1. Computer Science Department Assessment 2006 Report Slippery Rock University

2. Information Systems Three Student Learning Outcomes –Critical Thinking and Problem Solving –Communication and Interpersonal Skills –Professional and Ethical Responsibilities Three Assessment Methods –Surveys –Course embedded assessment –Internship appraisals

3. Information Systems Student Learning Outcomes I. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking. Solve business related problems by analyzing existing systems and designing and implementing the most feasible alternative. The student will be able to: a.Examine and analyze alternative solutions to a problem. b.Make informed choices among alternative hardware and software configurations for the design, development, and implementation of an information system. c.Integrate programming and design principles for effective problem solving to address the needs of an organization. d.Perform critical analyses and write feasibility studies of system implementations. e.Evaluate the effectiveness of information systems design and implementation. II. Communication and Interpersonal Skills. Use written, oral, and electronic methods for effective communication. The student will be able to: a.Write clear and concise user documentation. b.Summarize technical information for technical and non-technical personnel. c.Use oral and electronic communication effectively. d.Devise effective user interfaces for information systems. e.Work cooperatively in teams and with others. III. Ethical and Professional Responsibilities. Discern and articulate the impact of technologies on society. The student will be able to: a.Plan for and ensure the security, integrity, and privacy of data and the confidentiality of the end user. b.Recognize the ethical, legal, and social implications of information processing. c.Demonstrate an understanding of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Code of Professional Ethics. d.Analyze the impact that information systems have on the global society. e.Recognize the need for continuing professional development.

4. Faculty Senior Junior Sophomore Surveys Supervisor Students 140, 150, 343, 413 300, 343, 413, 443 140, 300, 423 Course Embedded Professional & Ethical Responsibilities Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Communication & Interpersonal Skills Internship Appraisals Outcomes Constituents Methods

5. Students Faculty Advisory Board Constituents Analysis of Assessment Data Report results Surveys Course Embedded Internship Appraisals Discussion Curriculum Changes Data Collection (3 methods)

6. 2005 – 2006 Curriculum Changes Modified IS allied areas to reflect external ABET evaluation –Increased the breadth of the allied areas –Removed non-accredited allied areas Modified CpSc 370 –Updated the 370 course by removing the teaching of a language and instead teaching computer organization Changed core language from C++ to Java –National assessment data suggests that prior to Java, Alice should be used. As of Fall 2006, Alice will be used in CpSc 140 to decrease the drop-out rate; Java will be taught in 150, 343 and 374.

7. Information Systems Unresolved Observations Student Surveys –IS Critical Thinking: 50% very confident as Sr. (same as 50% in 2004) –IS Ethical Responsibilities and Professional Responsibilities 48% very confident as Sr. (up from 45% in 2004) Course Embedded Assessment –Faculty observation (circa 2003): students in CpSc 130 struggling –Withdrawal rate in CpSc140 is high (Fall 2005) –CpSc 443 assessment data for critical thinking is at 75% In 2003, this course was added to the IS major to improve critical thinking. External Appraisals –In 2004, 49% of students were considered “exceptionally mature” (judgment category), and 47% were considered above average. –In 2005, these numbers decreased to 45% and 30%, respectively. –Board of Visitors Fall 2005 meeting: Board felt the sum total was well within acceptable limits