University/College Split of Computer Science Feedback
From ACSEWiki
Summary of responses to the March 26 Curriculum Review Question:
It is proposed that the grade 11 and 12 Computer Science courses will change from the U/C (M) destination and split into separate College (C) and University (U) destination courses.
I give this a +2.
Having a U specific course allows us to teach at a higher level (including expectations), which will help students who are going in to Computer Science as a field of study, or plan on taking a few computer courses at the post-secondary level. The C specific courses allows us to teach to an appropriate audience... too often I find a mix of students in the class, those who wish to learn more about algorithms, and those who just want to create something on the computer. This way, we can have more specific goals in mind for differing classes.
eugenechun woodbridge college department head of computer/technology studies & site administrator
Response: -1
I am a student teacher in Computer Science at Brock University so I give my answer with limited experience.
The Good: The discrepancy of abilities in CS has been apparent to me. Possibly this is because it is an academic subject that many students enjoy and therefore come to the class with pre-existing knowledge or are willing to improve their skills in their free time. The idea of splitting the M courses into U/C makes a lot of sense from this standpoint and is something that is almost necessary to give CS great meaning in high schools.
The Bad: The other problem with CS that has been apparent to me is the lack of enrollment. With many schools already running 11/12 split classes could we be looking at classes that are split 4-ways, or even worse cancelled?
The Solution: I think increased enrollment is a necessary step for this split (although it is also valid to argue that the split is necessary for increased enrollment). I think we need to be careful not to put the cart before the horse and hold off on the split until more schools are ready.
Dave Laemers
Dave,
Good observation. It's all about the numbers. If you offer too much then you weaken all the programs. The focus has to be the Grade 9 or 10 course to BUILD program. Combining BTT and TIK would be a great way to restore computer studies. In the past, the old DIC2 course was a great way to get kids started in computer science and 'engineering'. It would be wise for the Ministry to retore DIC as a compulsory with the focus being digital literacy. I believe that the "new" curriculum has left many young people digitally illiterate.
Kiley McDaniel
I also would give +2. M designation has certainly contributed (in my case) to the loss of many university bound students as they cannot include ICS in their mandatory 6 U courses. ICS classes have always had a mix of U, C and even below applied level kids. I would welcome a split U/C class which would be much better than the current Applied/SpecEd with the few U students "M" class I have now.
And I can ceratinly cater to the needs and expectations of each of the two levels (U and C) quite well and even enjoy it.
Valentina Rangelova Computer Science &Technology teacher Scarlett Heights Entrepreneurial Academy
Response: +1
I think that the split will allow teachers to focus on the pathways the students will be following into post secondary. I've examined a number of University and College programs and they do have different focuses. For me, it makes sense to create an appropriate environment for the type of student that will be taking the course. By this, I don't mean making it easier for College bound students but providing the students with an appropriate level that prepares them for the future. I believe that the base concepts are critical for all students studying computer programming whether they are going to University or College. Possibly how we teach the class and the types of activities and assignments we give will vary between the College and University courses.
Rino Iannotta
-2 strongly disagree.
For the majority of schools the split will result in fragmented course enrollments. As it is these are electives and more courses will result in more confusion. As it is the course descriptions are NOT student friendly.
As well few schools have enough resources for one class.
E. Kuley GECDSB
Response -2
While in theory having more choice is good, we already have too few students select computer science courses. For grade twelve students are told they need 2 Math, 2 Science, and 1 English. There is no room for other courses. We need to stop thinking about high school as a five year program.
I recommend simply putting the University designation on the course and insuring the content is finally recognised as an entrance requirement or at least a preference for (U)niversity.
All the best, Mr. Daniel Reid Head of Computer Science Information Technology in Education Coordinator
Trafalgar Castle School
I agree with response that dividing courses will create more confusion for students. For university computer based programs it’s often suggested to students that they take all 3 senior math courses, and that leaves only 2 optional courses to choose from. Most students with a full course load in grade 12 are not going to want to take 2 separate computer courses in order to keep their options open for which institution they finally decide to attend.
Jon Golin
Response +2
A U designated course is very important for attracting academic students to Computer Science courses. If students don't think universities are interested in secondary school Computer Science they will take other courses. Yes it will fragment the classes but U and C levels can be offered as a combined course. Phys-Ed and Geography have U courses; U courses push the teachers to develop more in-depth content and create more interesting and intensive projects for students.
Francis Corrigan
response -1
I disagree with splitting these courses as well for many of the reasons already given. We need to draw more students into these courses by making it easier and less complicated for them.
Jim Reschke
I give the split a +2 for three reasons:
1. The M course was too hard for many students, but there was no other option for them. 2. In my school, small and mostly academic, the U course will attract university-bound students who avoid the M courses. 3. With the U-designation, I can now give the abstract concepts their due, not having to adapt to the combined college/university focus of the former course.
E.F. Teevan Mathematics and Computer Science Teacher Oakridge S.S. London, Ontario, Canada (519) 452-2750 www.tvdsb.on.ca/oakridge/teevan
