EnhancingICTlearningwithReal-lifeproblems.docVIP

Enhancing ICT learning with Real-life Problems. Cathal McHugo, Timothy Hall EMRC, University of Limerick Cathal.McHugo@ul.ie / Timothy.Hall@ul.ie Abstract In their junior years at third level ICT students often carry out assignments associated with essential core topics. These assignments have been oversimplified or compartmentalised to match their, as yet, undeveloped skills. As a result, assignments are not engaging and are far removed from the real-world they will encounter later. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is used in other fields to counter this problem. Working with a second year module in the Department of Electronic Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Limerick; where core topics are databases and web programming, we decided to revoke the ideal of meaningless assignments and introduce a new and fresh way of teaching for the module. We hybridised the PBL approach of using a real-world problem with the provision of significant scaffolding to guide students towards an achievable solution. Additionally we based student assessment entirely on the natural outcomes of solving the problem, an approach we term Outcome Based Learning Laboratory (OBLL). The real-world problem, introduced to capture student’s attention and imagination, was the representation to the general public of data from the universities weather station. In this paper we link from PBL to our hybrid OBLL model with information on the initiation and development of our course. We discuss the teaching and learning methodologies employed. The OBLL working environment and student reaction to OBLL are explored. Finally, results and findings highlighting the success and future potential improvements are discussed. 1. Introduction Junior students in third level education often find it difficult to see the relevance of core material introduced in early courses. They have difficulty relating the material taught to real life scenarios and do not see the reasoning behind the teaching of this material. Pa