CCLI:TYPE1:Enhancing the ECE 101 Curriculum Through Student Diversity

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

Engineering - Other (59) This project is transforming a course to capitalize on the diversity of the students enrolled in the course and to incorporate course content of immediate interest to students. This is being done by developing a new classroom pedagogy, called diversity harnessing, in which the direct interests of the student population are folded back into course materials through lecture topics, homework exercises and exam problems. Diversity harnessing is making extensive use of active and collaborating learning. The course, ECE 101: Exploring Digital Information Technology, is an engineering course for non-engineering majors that strives to prepare students for a meaningful role in an increasingly technological society. The goals of this project are to 1) better engage the students in the course topics, 2) quickly integrate diverse student-driven subject matter back into the course, and 3) empower the students to more effectively apply new skills to their lives and careers. The project includes rigorous formative and summative evaluation plans with both qualitative and quantitative components coordinated by an independent evaluator.