Problem-based Learning: Using Real Local Business Issues to Improve IT Student Learning Outcomes
Abstract
Undergraduate Information Technology (IT) programs emphasize technical concepts and hands-on technical skills and soft skills such as communications and teamwork. However, within a traditional IT curriculum with only one or two �business' courses, most students have difficulty grasping the bigger picture: how IT is critical for business success. As these IT students become seniors, they see themselves as qualified for entry-level �techie' positions such as network administrators or help-desk personnel, but not necessarily entry-level IT professionals. In one southeastern university IT program, the faculty used problem-based learning (PBL) to help students understand the business impacts and value of IT and how IT professionals use IT to solve business problems. Using the specific course learning outcomes and the experiences of the IT students in these classes as a framework, the presenters plan to guide an open-ended discussion of information technology students and PBL.
Location
Room 1005
Publication Type and Release Option
Event
Recommended Citation
Patten, Karen and Kean, Lynn, "Problem-based Learning: Using Real Local Business Issues to Improve IT Student Learning Outcomes" (2013). SoTL Commons Conference. 65.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sotlcommons/SoTL/2013/65
Problem-based Learning: Using Real Local Business Issues to Improve IT Student Learning Outcomes
Room 1005
Undergraduate Information Technology (IT) programs emphasize technical concepts and hands-on technical skills and soft skills such as communications and teamwork. However, within a traditional IT curriculum with only one or two �business' courses, most students have difficulty grasping the bigger picture: how IT is critical for business success. As these IT students become seniors, they see themselves as qualified for entry-level �techie' positions such as network administrators or help-desk personnel, but not necessarily entry-level IT professionals. In one southeastern university IT program, the faculty used problem-based learning (PBL) to help students understand the business impacts and value of IT and how IT professionals use IT to solve business problems. Using the specific course learning outcomes and the experiences of the IT students in these classes as a framework, the presenters plan to guide an open-ended discussion of information technology students and PBL.
