Principal Investigators: Shamima Mithun, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Information and Graphics Technology, School of Engineering and Technology; Rajagopal Sankaranarayanan, Doctoral Student, Department of Instructional Systems and Technology, IU Bloomington
Project Title: Integrating microlearning instructional approaches into CIT data-management curriculum
Funding Level: $5000
Abstract: This curriculum-enhancement project directly impacts one sophomore course of the data-management concentration in the CIT (Computer and Information Technology) department: CIT 21400 (Introduction to Data Management). Approximately 140 students who enrolled in CIT 21400 who will directly benefit per academic year. CIT 21400, which is the prerequisite course for all other courses in the CIT data-management concentration, introduces fundamental database programming using Structured Query Language (SQL) and teaches logical database design concepts. The project aims to enhance the instructional delivery of CIT 21400 to improve student learning experience and to better engage students as they learn and apply the foundational database programming concepts to prepare them for today's evermore competitive IT job market. The project entails the complete redesign of CIT 21400 through microlearning-based instruction based on student needs and course learning objectives. Microlearning is a successful form of learner-centered instructional approach with many features that might help undergraduate students master the introductory programming concepts. In the microlearning approach, the learning content is divided into small, focused activities that are delivered digitally in an easily digestible form. Some of the benefits of microlearning include increased learning transfer, better retention of learning content, increased student engagement, and improved student attitudes and learning performance. We hope that by using a microlearning instructional strategy, we will improve student retention of foundational database concepts and programming skills in CIT 21400 and as well as across course levels and thus prepare them for success post-graduation.
