Implementing A Learning Ecosystem for Planning Process Management at NEIU
Location
Poster #22
Department
Computer Science
Abstract
This study investigates the implementation of a learning ecosystem designed to support student teams in planning process management as they take on a semester-long design project in Computer Science. Specifically, the ecosystem focuses students on developing and executing impactful and effective plans during their weekly iterations. Inspired by expert planning processes, the ecosystem aims to guide students through a plan management approach that involves assessing project risks and designing iterations to mitigate them. A similar ecosystem was implemented in an undergraduate design studio at Northwestern University (NU), including components that scaffolded risk assessments and planning process management. A study into the efficacy of the ecosystem showed positive outcomes in terms of students incorporating planning feedback and revising their plans throughout the week, to ensure they successfully completed project deliverables. However, an implementation at NEIU presents unique obstacles due to differences in course structures, timelines and students’ expectations of coursework. Moreover, the community dynamics at NEIU, including the demographics of students, their academic backgrounds, and their prior experiences with research and design methodologies, differ from those at NU, and introduce unique challenges to scaffolding students in project planning skills. To successfully implement a similar ecosystem for students at NEIU, we seek to first explore and characterize contributing factors to the unique challenges students face (for example, balancing a team project with a full-time job, or family responsibilities). With this understanding, we aim to develop a tailored planning ecosystem at NEIU that better supports students' unique lifestyles, behaviors, and needs. Adopting a human-centered approach, the research conducts a series of user tests and gathers feedback from students and course instructors, employing both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methodologies. Adapting existing tools from previous research, such as the planning compass used at Northwestern, the study evaluates student performance in planning process and overall course outcomes. Through this iterative process, the study explores the applicability and transfer of project planning ecosystems to diverse learning communities, seeking to better support undergraduate research and design education, empowering students to drive impactful projects in the field of design.
Faculty Sponsor
Leesha Shah
Implementing A Learning Ecosystem for Planning Process Management at NEIU
Poster #22
This study investigates the implementation of a learning ecosystem designed to support student teams in planning process management as they take on a semester-long design project in Computer Science. Specifically, the ecosystem focuses students on developing and executing impactful and effective plans during their weekly iterations. Inspired by expert planning processes, the ecosystem aims to guide students through a plan management approach that involves assessing project risks and designing iterations to mitigate them. A similar ecosystem was implemented in an undergraduate design studio at Northwestern University (NU), including components that scaffolded risk assessments and planning process management. A study into the efficacy of the ecosystem showed positive outcomes in terms of students incorporating planning feedback and revising their plans throughout the week, to ensure they successfully completed project deliverables. However, an implementation at NEIU presents unique obstacles due to differences in course structures, timelines and students’ expectations of coursework. Moreover, the community dynamics at NEIU, including the demographics of students, their academic backgrounds, and their prior experiences with research and design methodologies, differ from those at NU, and introduce unique challenges to scaffolding students in project planning skills. To successfully implement a similar ecosystem for students at NEIU, we seek to first explore and characterize contributing factors to the unique challenges students face (for example, balancing a team project with a full-time job, or family responsibilities). With this understanding, we aim to develop a tailored planning ecosystem at NEIU that better supports students' unique lifestyles, behaviors, and needs. Adopting a human-centered approach, the research conducts a series of user tests and gathers feedback from students and course instructors, employing both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methodologies. Adapting existing tools from previous research, such as the planning compass used at Northwestern, the study evaluates student performance in planning process and overall course outcomes. Through this iterative process, the study explores the applicability and transfer of project planning ecosystems to diverse learning communities, seeking to better support undergraduate research and design education, empowering students to drive impactful projects in the field of design.