ERIC Number: EJ1258149
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Jun
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1545-679X
EISSN: N/A
Designing and Implementing an Undergraduate Data Analytics Program for Non-Traditional Students
Mew, Lionel
Information Systems Education Journal, v18 n3 p18-27 Jun 2020
This paper discusses Implementation of a new educational approach to develop competencies for the future STEM workforce, and to build knowledge on success factors for educating a non-traditional target population in data competencies. It is widely accepted that a data capable workforce is critical to science and industry. The literature suggests that the need for data science and data analytics competencies in industry and academia is accelerating at a rapid pace. At the same time, census and demographic data predict that the pool of traditional college age students will continue to decrease. To meet the increasing demand for a data capable workforce, it is essential to leverage the nontraditional student pool, reskilling and upskilling the current workforce, simply because the traditional student output is nowhere near sufficient to meet the need. The current work is to implement a new program designed to provide adult learners with bachelor's degrees and post baccalaureate certificates in Data Analytics. This results in upskilling or reskilling the existing workforce to add value to industry and academia. The program is differentiated from traditional programs by catering to non-traditional students through specific pedagogies such as incorporating required mathematics competencies into Data Analytics courses, using specific pedagogies proven to work with the non-traditional population, as well as removing constraints by offering evening courses, easing registration obstacles, etc. The paper suggests a proposed curriculum, discusses the rationale behind each differentiated option, and explains how the program is being implemented.
Descriptors: Program Design, Undergraduate Students, Nontraditional Students, Data Analysis, Program Implementation, Labor Force Development, STEM Education, Information Science, Adult Students, Job Skills, Skill Development, Curriculum Development, Professional Continuing Education, Mathematics Skills
Information Systems and Computing Academic Professionals. Box 488, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. e-mail: publisher@isedj.org; Web site: http://isedj.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A