Research-Based Education in Computer Science, Canberra, 4 June 2007

Highly recommended seminar for anyone interested in university education:

DCS SEMINAR SERIES

Research-Based Education in Computer Science at the ANU: Challenges and Opportunities
Peter Strazdins (DCS, ANU)

DATE: 2007-06-04
TIME: 16:00:00 - 17:00:00
LOCATION: CSIT Seminar Room, N101

ABSTRACT:

In 2004, the Australian National University began a strategic shift in its coursework teaching programs, with the goal of orienting it towards what is termed research-led education. In this talk we will given an overview of the key ideas and literature on `research-led' (and more broadly `research-based' education. We will then address opportunities and challenges for this shift in the discipline of computer science. We will explore and evaluate current practices of research-based education. We will also examine staff and student attitudes and experiences in this area, identifying challenges and opportunities in creating an expanded and more coherent use of research-based education through the computer science curriculum.

The talk in particular will highlight perceptions and experiences of the PhB and BCS (Bachelor of Computer Science) degrees, which may be thought of flagships of this approach, and what lessons can be learned so far. Based on a number of student and staff interviews, it will also give a limited evaluation of relevant aspects of the BCS, including project courses and the `community' presented to the students.

The notes from the first of this two part series by Peter "A Survey of 'Best Practice' in Computer Science Teaching" is available online, with extensive hypertext links to source documents: <http://cs.anu.edu.au/~Peter.Strazdins/seminars/BestPracticeCS.pdf>.

ps: I found this seminar very useful in providing some intellectual underpinnings to what I have been doing with computer aided courses.