CyberTraining: DSE—The Code Maker: Computational Thinking for Engineers with Interactive, Contextual Learning [article]

Lorena A. Barba, Adam Wickenheiser, Ryan Watkins
2017 Figshare  
Proposal submitted to the NSF CyberTraining program, January 2017 ----- AWARDED July 2017 --------Proposal Summary OverviewThis project will develop "The Code Maker," a training program for engineering undergraduates that embeds computing in the curriculum with interactive, context-based learning modules. It will deliver 8 or more modules, each consisting of a series of four or more lessons, written as a Jupyter Notebook. The modules will be available online and can be completed asynchronously,
more » ... or assigned as a graded course component. Success in the modules will be a requirement for completion, i.e., they adopt a mastery-learning approach. The training program will be supported by a team of learning assistants and a program of maker-inspired events at a newly created space in the Library, the "STEM Lab." It will use cloud infrastructure, both public and private: an instance of Open edX on AWS that effectively allows running the program publicly as a MOOC; and a local JupyterHub server to eliminate installation friction and ensure a consistent compute environment for local students. The evaluation will apply a combination of 4-level training evaluation and a Technology Acceptance model. Student performance will be tracked in courses that use computing and additional qualitative assessment will be done with think-aloud interviews. All materials will be openly developed on the web and shared under permissive licenses, allowing reuse and derivative works. The project has secured three external collaborators that commit to peer review, modify for local conditions and/or trial the modules. Informal advisors from large industry (e.g., Boeing, GE Global) will counsel on authentic, industry relevant computing skills.Keywords: contextual learning, computational thinking, just-in-time teaching, interactive computing, blended learningCognizant Program Officer Consulted: Sushil K. Prasad, CISE/ACIIntellectual MeritContextual learning of computing is an evidence-based approach (e. [...]
doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.5662051.v1 fatcat:2ov4l6e5cze25deeotwjx7vzme