Computing Across the Curriculum, Computer Competencies, and Technology Learning Initiatives at CPCS

 

The Technology Learning Initiatives program seeks to address the changing needs of merging computer knowledge with core-subject learning. These initiatives are designed in two main areas: Computer Competencies and Technology Learning Activities specific to individual courses. The newly re-designed Computer Competencies now comprise components in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Communication Technologies, Information Retrieval, Slideshows, and Web Page Development. Students demonstrate this competency through successful completion of the Computer Portfolio Workshop and related evaluations. Students with introductory-level computer skills must first take the Preparatory Computer Workshop.

 

Technology Learning Activities are developed to merge existing coursework with technologies that are appropriate to learning the material. All technology learning in CPCS is designed to support coursework throughout a student's career at UMass and all should be considered Computing Across the Curriculum. Moving away from a more traditional model of learning separate and disjunct technology skills disconnected from other college work, CPCS's approach distinguishes itself from the rest by incorporating the computer competencies as knowledge and skills richly embedded in general learning.