Abstract
Since 2012, all entrants to our UG programmes are required to take a one-unit core course on information technology, the objective of which is to equip students with basic knowledge of information technology and develops their capability in handling and using digital information properly. In view of the advancement in technology and its changing roles in our life and the IT competence of the younger generation, the 1-unit IT course shall evolve to prepare our students for the knowledge, skills and values regarding IT expected or needed in future. Alongside this, the CUHK 2025 identifies computational thinking and digital literacy as the 21st century skills-set expected of future leaders and proposes to enhance students' computational thinking and digital literacy.
The Faculty of Engineering has been tasked to design and implement new core IT courses. Two such courses have been proposed – (1) ENGG 1003 – Digital Literacy and Computational Thinking-P; and (2) ENGG 1004 – Digital Literacy and Computational Thinking-R. It is planned that the two 3-unit courses be piloted in 2021-2022 twice to identify any major issues and enhancement measures before their full implementation in 2022-2023.
Against this background, this project proposes to develop the necessary courseware for the pilot and conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the two courses in terms of process and outcome during their pilot offering. Three types of data (perception, behaviour and performance) will be collected from two stakeholders (teachers and students) to identify the feedback, process and outcomes of the two courses. It is intended that findings will better inform curriculum review, pedagogical designs, instructional strategies and course implementation for enhancement purposes.
Brief write-up
Project objectives
This project aims to (1) develop the necessary courseware for the pilot core courses on computational thinking (CT) and digital literacy (DL), i.e., ENGG1003 and ENGG1004, which were offered twice in the first and second terms in 2021-22 before their full implementation in CUHK in 2022-23; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the two courses in terms of process and outcome during their pilot offering.
Activities, process and outcomes
Two sets of courseware were developed and piloted for ENGG1003 and ENGG1004 respectively in 2021-22 Term 1 and Term 2. A set of micro-modules on computational thinking using coding tools such as Python and R was produced.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot courses, data were collected by student surveys, class observation, student focus groups and teacher interviews. Student performance and online course and teaching evaluation questionnaire data were collected.
Deliverables and evaluation
Deliverables included:
Two sets of courseware for ENGG1003 and ENGG1004 “Digital Literacy and Computational Thinking”
A set of micro-modules on computational thinking using Python
Pre-course and post-course questionnaires
Two semi-structured qualitative protocols and an information sheet for class observation
Two student focus group interview protocols
A teacher interview protocol
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
The findings were reported in the meetings of the University Task Force on Digital Literacy Core Requirement. The micro-modules will be made available online. Professional development activities on course evaluation will be organized by the Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research (CLEAR) or in collaboration with faculties.
Impact on teaching and learning
Students had significant improvements in DL and CT competence, self-efficacy and attitudes towards ICT for learning after taking the courses. Teachers made better use of instructional strategies and became more aware of individual differences among students.
