Fostering the development of computer science graduate employability through agile projects

Allison, Jordan ORCID: 0000-0001-8513-4646, Alam, Abu S, Gassman, Luke, Nelson, Gareth and Zidan, Kamal ORCID: 0000-0002-6523-2924 (2024) Fostering the development of computer science graduate employability through agile projects. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 48 (4). pp. 417-435. doi:10.1080/0309877X.2024.2340642

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Abstract

This article presents the usage of Integrated Course Design (ICD) in the design and evaluation of applying agile methodologies within an undergraduate module of study to foster the development of computer science students employability skills. Undergraduate programs of computer science typically follow traditional educational methods which can lead to students unable to connect knowledge learned in class to actual situations and students are often assessed individually, whereas collaborative group projects are more akin to industry practice. The teaching experience reported gives students the opportunity to relate concepts learnt in class to a practical group-based project. Students must meet the requirements of a ‘client’ who will provide feedback and additional challenges for students while following the Agile framework SCRUM. Positive student feedback and module grades 7.70% higher than the department average over a four year period indicates the teaching structure and assessment presented is an effective method to foster the development of technical and soft skills of undergraduate computer science students.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Computer Science Education; Agile Methods; SCRUM; Computing Pedagogy; Integrated Course Design; Employability
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business > HF5549 Personnel management. Employment management Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences
Research Priority Areas:	Applied Business & Technology
Depositing User:	Kamila Niekoraniec
Date Deposited:	16 Apr 2024 14:31
Last Modified:	23 May 2024 13:15
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/13952

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