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Title: Increasing Students Expertise and Career Competencies Skills in Computer Network using Project-Based Learning and Blended Practical in a Cognitive Apprenticeship Framework
The digital revolution resulted in an increase demand for a computer network workforce prepared by universities and colleges. The Computer Network field however, is complex and unpredictable, making it challenging to study and teach yet educators must prepare graduates who understand concepts, have practical network skills as well the necessary Higher Order Thinking Skills. This paper presents a case study utilizing a new methodology based on a merger of Project-Based Learning, Hands-on Learning, Simulation Based Learning, in a Cognitive Apprenticeship framework. It seeks to increase students’ (i) expertise in Computer Network, (ii) self efficacy and (iii) Higher Order Thinking skills competency levels. After 4 years of implementation, analysis of results shows, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, that students (i) acquired and increased their domain knowledge, (ii) acquired procedural and processed knowledge while solving problems, in given scenarios (iii) increased their self-efficacy in Computer Networks and (iv) increased their Higher Order Thinking skills  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2021203
PAR ID:
10475840
Author(s) / Creator(s):
Publisher / Repository:
Association of Computer Science Departments at Minority Institutions
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Association of Computer Science Departments at Minority Institutions (ADMI 2023) Symposium
Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
Higher Order Thinking Skills Computer Network Cognitive Apprenticeship Project Based Leaning Simulation Based Learning
Format(s):
Medium: X
Location:
Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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