1. Implementing Real-World Problems to Enhance Students Learning
Charles DeSassure, Department Chair Computer Science & Technology Tarrant County College-Southeast Campus Arlington, Texas

2. About Tarrant County College District Four Campuses
Northeast, Fort Worth, TX
Northwest, Fort Worth, TX
South, Fort Worth, TX
Southeast, Arlington, TX

3. About TCCD (Continued)
Full-Year Enrollment (9/1/2006 – 8/31/2007)
Credit students
55,033
Non-credit Continuing Education students
27,579
Total
82,612
*TCC is the 6th largest college or university in Texas. 3

4. Session Description
Teaching microcomputer applications, business computer applications, or introduction to computers can be very challenging. Today’s workforce expects students to be able to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills effectively.
Today’s Workforce 4

5. Session Description (Continued)
During this session, participants will receive examples of class work that have been collected and implemented within the classroom at Tarrant County College.
A CD-ROM will be provided.
Today’s Workforce 5

6. ETS (Information, Communication, and Technology Project)
This proposal derives from work completed at Tarrant County College and working with the (ETS) Educational Testing Services iSkills™ (the former ICT Literacy Assessment) test.
Define
Know how to articulate a need for and determine where to locate information; Create a research topic to fit a particular information need or complete a concept map.
Access
Search and collect information from the Internet and databases; Read and refine a search to locate resources.
Evaluate
Assess the relevancy, veracity and completeness of information for a specific purpose; Select the best database to use and determine the sufficiency of information on a website for a particular need.
Manage
Develop and use a comprehensive organizational scheme; Document relationships using an organizational chart and sort s into appropriate folders.
Integrate
Synthesize, summarize, compare and draw conclusions from information from multiple sources; Compare and contrast information from web pages or a spreadsheet and synthesize information from instant messages into a word processing document.
Create
Generate information by adapting and critically analyzing current data; Create a graph that supports a point of view. Select text and graphics to communicate the point of view.
Communicate
Convey information persuasively to various audiences using the right medium; Be able to adapt presentation slides and revise an . 6

7. Press Release from ETS
Princeton, N.J. (November 14, 2006) — Despite the assumption that today’s college students are tech savvy and Information, Communication, and Technology literate, preliminary research released by ETS today shows that many students lack the critical thinking skills to perform the kinds of information management and research tasks necessary for academic success. 7

8. Selected Student Comments From the first day of class
I have been working with computers for years, so I know everything about computers.
I completed a computer course in high school, so this is going to be an easy A for me.
I have a cell phone, an ipod, and a computer at home. I use all the time. Hope this is not a boring class.
Who doesn’t know how to use myspace.com? 8

9. What We Need To Do Make learning fun and exciting.
Engage students in the learning process.
Show students the connection between the classroom and the real world.
Write clear, well defined, and measurable student learning outcomes.
Provide immediate feedback to students Written recommendations for improvement; not just a grade. 9

10. Skills Required Today Ability to read Comprehend
Ability to solve problems
Work independently
Ability to implement critical thinking
Reason
Ability to make decisions
Leadership
Ability to engage in collaboration
Work with others; interpersonal skills; communication
Ability to meet deadlines
Timeline 10

11. Recommended Course Content
Conceptual Component:
Focus on key computer terms.
Hands-on Component:
Word processing
Spreadsheet
Database Management
Presentation
Internet usage
File Management 11

12. Teaching Methods Lecture alone will NOT work.
During the lecturing process, to explain to students how technology relates to the real world.
Involve the class: Ask students to answer the question…Why? 12

13. Teaching Methods (Continued)
Lecture for about 30 to 35 minutes per session on concepts to complete a chapter.
Provide demonstration of applications.
After demonstration of an application, require students to complete short, hands-on assignments in class. 13

14. Teaching Methods (Continued)
Step-by-step textbook assignments for students to complete outside of class.
Provide real world scenario problems for students. 14

15. Student Assessment Concepts (60%) General computer terms +
Applications (40%) Word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and file management =
Computer competent employees in the work place 15

16. Student Example (Problem)
TO: charles DeSassure
FROM: Mary smith
RE: budget $$$$ Information
DATE: october 15, 2008
Thank you… 16

17. Student Example (Better)
TO: Charles DeSassure
FROM: Mary Smith
RE: Budget Information
DATE: October 15, 2008
Thank you… 17

18. Computer Terms (Sample List)
Hardware
Software
Download
Upload
Internet
Intranet
Extranet
LAN
MAN
WAN
USB port
Network
Input device
Output device
URL
Web site
Hyperlink
ASCII
Application Software
Operating Systems 18

19. Applications Applications Objectives Word processing Create documents
Use templates
Create tables
Use tabs
Edit, find & replace
Mail Merge (optional)
Spreadsheet
Create worksheet
Use and write formulas
Use functions
Create meaningful charts
Database
Create simple tables
Use queries
Create reports
Presentation
Create a presentation
Use features to enhance the presentation to include adding colors, pictures, sounds, animations, etc.
Organizational techniques 19

20. Lessons Learned Instructor’s demonstration works very well.
Step by step instructions
allow students the opportunity
to work at their own pace.
Hands-on projects allow students to see connection to the real world.
Immediate feedback from the instructor with suggested comments for improvement. 20

21. Interpersonal (Soft) Skills
Communication
Collaboration
Time Management
Leadership 21

22. Summary
Emphasize to the students that learning computer terms are very important.
Provide short, weekly homework assignments.
Example: Ask students to explain the differences between uploading and downloading a file from a server or the Internet? 22

23. Summary (Continued)
Demonstrate the usage and purpose of each application.
Provide step-by-step instructions for lab assignments.
Provide hands-on, real-world problems. 23

24. Summary (Continued) Feel free to be creative.
Communicate and share ideas with other faculty members.
Listen to advisory committee members.
Invite local workforce commission representatives to share recent job market data.

25. Finally…Keep it real! 25

26. Credit Course Technology Pearson/Prentice Hall McGraw-Hill
ETS (Educational Testing Service)

27. Questions & Answers

28. Charles DeSassure Email: charles.desassure@tccd.edu
Thank you!
Charles DeSassure