Academic Connections: A Learning Community in Computer Science

Dallas County Community College Dist Richland College, Dallas TX

Investigators

Abstract

Richland College is providing scholarships for full-time computer science majors qualifying for financial aid. The scholarships are increasing the number of students graduating with an associate degree in computer science and increasing the number of students transferring to a four-year college or university in the field of computer science. The academic program is founded on the instructional approach of learning communities and a program design of block scheduling. This approach provides greater coherence in curriculum, builds a community of active learners and creates diverse, academic peer groups for enriched learning and student development. The integrated educational experience imparts communication skills, critical thinking skills and a developed sense of citizenry to students creating a broader impact to society beyond college environment and a greater benefit to employers. A cohort of twenty students is receiving two-year scholarships during each of the first three years of the project.