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During the emergence of Data Science as a distinct discipline, discussions of what exactly constitutes Data Science have been a source of contention, with no clear resolution. These disagreements have been exacerbated by the lack of a clear single disciplinary 'parent.' Many early efforts at defining curricula and courses exist, with the EDISON Project's Data Science Framework (EDISON-DSF) from the European Union being the most complete. The EDISON-DSF includes both a Data Science Body of Knowledge (DS-BoK) and Competency Framework (CF-DS). This paper takes a critical look at how EDISON's CF-DS compares to recent work and other published curricular or course materials. We identify areas of strong agreement and disagreement with the framework. Results from the literature analysis provide strong insights into what topics the broader community see as belonging in (or not in) Data Science, both at curricular and course levels. This analysis can provide important guidance for groups working to formalize the discipline and any college or university looking to build their own undergraduate Data Science degree or programs.
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Using GIFT to Develop an Adaptive Distributed Learning Environment Supporting Data Science Competencies.
This paper presents our latest research on the efficient support of Data Science (DS) students in higher education, particularly focusing on underserved universities. The need for new graduates and professionals to upskill in DS surpasses the capacity of universities to offer conventional classes, particularly in underserved universities (NASEM, 2018). Our solution provides otherwise unavailable DS courses for all students by implementing the Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT, Sottilare et al., 2012) to develop a multi-university adaptive distributed learning (ADL) environment that can share DS courses and facilitate student learning from anywhere at any time. This distributed learning ecosystem using Department of Defense (DOD)-initiated technologies (ADL, 2018) allows students from 11 networked universities to share courses and resources, providing equal access to underserved and better-equipped research universities within the system. Besides GIFT, the ADL environment integrates the learning management system (LMS), Moodle, competency management software such as Competence and Skill System (CaSS, 2021), and Learning Record Stores (LRSs) to collect and analyze data for personalized learning. Our instructional design and course development efficiently align learning objectives, activities, and assessments of DS student competencies based on the Edison DS Competency Framework (Edison, 2017).
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- Award ID(s):
- 2142514
- PAR ID:
- 10467123
- Editor(s):
- Sinatra, Anne M.
- Publisher / Repository:
- The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command – Soldier Center.
- Date Published:
- Issue:
- 11
- ISBN:
- 978-0-9977258-4-1
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 41-49
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Adaptive Distributed Learning, Competency-Based Learning Assessment, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science Education.
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Location:
- Orlando, Florida
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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