2015-16 ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT & PLANNING RECORD
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
I.
Mission
College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership Mission Statement: The College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership at
the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee provides an intellectual, collaborative, ethical, inclusive learning environment for
students pursuing leadership positions in hospitality and technology and graduating leaders for these industries to serve citizens of
Florida, the U.S., and the world.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Mission Statement: The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in the
College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee provides high quality
educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the broad range of fields that support our computer/informationbased society and economy. Additionally, the goal is to utilize the resources of the program to provide service to society; and to
emphasize to students the need for lifelong learning, to have ethical conduct, and an understanding of the diverse social context in
which Information Technology is practiced.
II.
Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes
I. Technical Knowledge and Skills: Technical knowledge and skill sets (computational and analytic) needed for success in
careers related to Information Technology.
a. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
b. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
c. An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies.
d. An understanding of best practices and standards and their application.
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II. Professional Ethics: An understanding of professional ethics in the development and application of Information Technology.
a. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities.
III. Computer Processes and Systems: Design and develop computer processes and systems of advanced complexity.
a. An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired
needs.
b. An ability to effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment.
c. An ability to assist in the creation of an effective project plan.
IV. Critical Thinking: Assess the potential value of new technologies and see possibly beneficial applications.
a. An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
b. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
c. Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.
d. An ability to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and
administration of computer-based systems.
V. Communication: Conduct computer research, organize a structured presentation (oral and written), and deliver it in a way that
communicates to novice users as well as computer experts.
a. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
b. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
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III.
Means of Assessing the Student Outcomes
Embedded Computing and Mathematics Examination (COP 3375, Data Structures and Algorithms Assessment): In the data structures and
algorithms course, COP 3375, students are required to solve problems by breaking these into smaller modules, solving these individually, and then
synthesizing the solution to the original problem. The process involves critical thinking in understanding the problem and how to break it into smaller
piece-parts and solve these. The entire effort involves programming the modules in Python and executing the code for a successful solution. (See
Section IV, Student Outcomes 1a).
Professional Ethics Case Study Presentation (CIS 4253, Information Technology Ethics Assessment): In the information technology ethics
course, CIS 4253, assessment is done via the following two actions:
- Students give oral presentations utilizing PowerPoint.
- Students are given quizzes on five different topics, and assessed for their understanding and adherence to a code of ethics.
Evaluation is based on a faculty-developed rubric. The rubric is also used on 6 sample cases chosen at random. (See Section IV, Student
Outcomes 2a).
Program Design Team Project (COP 3515, Program Design Team Assessment): In the program design course, COP 3515, students are
required to work on a progressive team project spanning the entire semester, integrating new concepts and processes as these are learned.
Students learn how team responsibilities are distributed to allow it to function as an orchestrated unit. Collectively students learn how to tackle and
design solutions to big problems taking a top-down iterative approach using the UML modelling toolset. Students present the project and a report at
the end of the semester. (See Section IV, Student Outcomes 4a, 4d, 5a, 5b).
Capstone Project (CIS 4935, Senior Project / Approved Internship Capstone Assessment): In the senior project / approved internship
capstone course, CIS 4935, students are required to complete a real-world project for a business or industry sponsor. The project requires each
student to demonstrate technical knowledge, as well as computational and analytic skills. Consisting of four stages, students are required to
complete the following:
-
Present an overview of the project or internship, focusing on why the project was needs, and how the problem was resolved. Challenges
encountered and how these were overcome are also included in the presentation. (See Section IV, Student Outcomes 3a-3c, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5b).
A demo of the final solution is also given (if applicable). (See Section IV, Student Outcomes 1b-1d).
Students document the entire experience in a 4-6 page report, (See Section IV, Student Outcomes 3a-3c, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5b), and
Capstone Examination (CIS 4935, Senior Project / Approved Internship Capstone Assessment):
- Take a test to assess how well the objectives and five learning outcomes were met. (Note: this test is currently going through development).
(See Section IV, Student Outcomes 1b-1d, 4a).
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In addition to being graded by the professor, the project is externally evaluated for evidence of technical knowledge and skill sets by a team of
faculty using an agreed-upon scoring rubric based on the educational objectives.
Graduation Survey - Given to all students upon the completion of their degree. Graduates are asked to select the degree to which they agree or
disagree with the following statements: “My critical thinking skills have improved,” “My writing skills improved,” and “My oral communication skills
improved.” Scale: Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree, Strongly Agree. (See Section IV, Student Outcomes 4a-4d, 5a, 5b).
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IV.
Assessment Results
ACADEMIC PROGRAM: BS in Information Technology
CIP Code: 11.0103
I. Technical Knowledge and Skills: Technical knowledge and skill sets (computational and analytic) needed for
success in careers related to Information Technology.
II. Professional Ethics: An understanding of professional ethics in the development and application of Information
Technology.
Program Educational
III. Computer Processes and Systems: Design and develop computer processes and systems of advanced complexity.
Objectives:
IV. Critical Thinking: Assess the potential value of new technologies and see possibly beneficial applications.
V. Communication: Conduct computer research, organize a structured presentation (oral and written), and deliver it in a
way that communicates to novice users as well as computer experts.
Student Outcomes
Objective
Means of Assessing
Target
1a. An ability to apply knowledge
of computing and mathematics
appropriate to the discipline.
I
Embedded Computing and
Mathematics Examination COP
3375
Students will average at
least 75% correct.
1b. An ability to use current
techniques, skills, and tools
necessary for computing practice.
I
Capstone Examination
CIS 4935
Students will average at
least 75% correct.
1c. An ability to use and apply
current technical concepts and
practices in the core information
technologies.
I
Capstone Examination
CIS 4935
Students will average at
least 75% correct.
1d. An understanding of best
practices and standards and their
application.
I
Capstone Examination
CIS 4935
Students will average at
least 75% correct.
2a. An understanding of
professional, ethical, legal,
security and social issues and
responsibilities.
II
Professional Ethics Case Study
Presentation with Slides
CIS 4253
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Summary Assessment Results
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Student Outcomes
Objective
Means of Assessing
3a. An ability to design,
implement, and evaluate a
computer-based system, process,
component, or program to meet
desired needs.
III
Capstone Project
CIS 4935
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
3b. An ability to effectively
integrate IT-based solutions into
the user environment.
III
Capstone Project
CIS 4935
3c. An ability to assist in the
creation of an effective project
plan.
III
Capstone Project
CIS 4935
4a. An ability to analyze a
problem, and identify and define
the computing requirements
appropriate to its solution.
IV
Capstone Project Critical Thinking
assessment indicator
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Of students responding,
75% will agree or strongly
agree with the following
statement: “My critical
thinking skills improved”.
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Of students responding,
75% will agree or strongly
agree with the following
statement: “My critical
thinking skills improved”.
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Program Design Team Project
Evaluation
COP 3515
Graduation Survey Critical Thinking
Skills
4b. An ability to analyze the local
and global impact of computing
on individuals, organizations, and
society.
IV
Capstone Project Critical Thinking
assessment indicator
CIS4935
Graduation Survey Critical Thinking
Skills
4c. Recognition of the need for
and an ability to engage in
continuing professional
development.
IV
Capstone Project Critical Thinking
assessment indicator
CIS4935
Target
Summary Assessment Results
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Student Outcomes
4d. An ability to identify and
analyze user needs and take them
into account in the selection,
creation, evaluation and
administration of computer-based
systems.
Objective
IV
Means of Assessing
Target
Graduation Survey Critical Thinking
Skills
Of students responding,
75% will agree or strongly
agree with the following
statement: “My critical
thinking skills improved”.
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Capstone Project Critical Thinking
assessment indicator
CIS4935
Program Design Team Project
Evaluation
COP 3515
Graduation Survey Critical Thinking
Skills
5a. An ability to function
effectively on teams to
accomplish a common goal
V
Program Design Team Project
Evaluation
COP 3515
Graduation Survey Oral
Communication Skills
5b. An ability to communicate
effectively (oral and written) with a
range of audiences
V
Capstone Project
CIS 4935
Program Design Team Project
Evaluation
COP 3515
Graduation Survey Writing Skills
Summary Assessment Results
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Of students responding,
75% will agree or strongly
agree with the following
statement: “My critical
thinking skills improved”.
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Of students responding,
75% will agree or strongly
agree with the following
statement: “My oral
communication skills
improved.”
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Average score of all
student performances is
at least (3.0)
“Satisfactory.”
Of students responding,
75% will agree or strongly
agree with the following
statements: “My writing
skills improved”, “My oral
communication skills
improved.”
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V.
Analysis of Results and Planned Changes
Technical Knowledge and Skills: Technical knowledge and skill sets (computational and analytic) needed for success in careers related to Information
Technology.
Faculty Comments:
Curricula Changes:
Changes to the
Assessment Process:
Professional Ethics: An understanding of professional ethics in the development and application of Information Technology.
Faculty Comments:
Curricula Changes:
Changes to the
Assessment Process:
Computer Processes and Systems: Design and develop computer processes and systems of advanced complexity.
Faculty Comments:
Curricula Changes:
Changes to the
Assessment Process:
Critical Thinking: Assess the potential value of new technologies and see possibly beneficial applications.
Faculty Comments:
Curricula Changes:
Changes to the
Assessment Process:
Communication: Conduct computer research, organize a structured presentation (oral and written), and deliver it in a way that communicates to novice users as
well as computer experts.
Faculty Comments:
Curricula Changes:
Changes to the
Assessment Process:
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VI.
Dean’s Comments: (Dr. James Curran)
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