Teaching Development Grants
Completed TDG Projects

IT in the Curriculum & e-Learning

A Study on Applying the Self-learning Paradigm in Teaching Advanced Technical Courses


Abstract

Computer science and information technology are two fast evolving fields in the modern world. An undergraduate program in these fields must consist of two key components: (1) a training in the fundamental knowledge of the discipline and (2) a training in self-learning. The latter component is especially important for graduates to adapt to the ever-changing world of technology. This project aims at studying the effect of applying the self-learning paradigm in teaching advanced technical courses in the computer science program. We identify the key differences between a self-learning lab-based method of teaching and the traditional classroom-based method.We study these differences through a controlled experiment in which we teach the same materials to two cohorts of students under the two different modes of study. We systematically collect and analyze student feedback, and compare and contrast student progress under the two teaching schemes.

Principal Investigator

Dr. C.K. Chui, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of EngineeringContact

Project level

Programme-level project

Project Completion

August 2013

Deliverables

  • A report on the effectiveness of self-learning when applied to teaching technical coursesDownload
  • A report on the resource requirements and utilization of conducting a self-learning courseDownload