ADMI Workshops

Highlights from the Computer Science Curriculum Workshop
“Better Preparing Disadvantaged Students in Computer Science:
A Focus on Security in Computing”
Howard University, Washington D. C. January 17, 2003

This was a one-day workshop on curriculum development in Computer Science. The morning session addressed core curriculum and focused on course assessment. The afternoon session addressed different approaches to including computer security in the computing curriculum. Both sessions included formal presentations by invited panelists. All other participants were afforded the opportunity to present information. The focus was on exchanging information and planning for future collaboration. To assure the effectiveness of this workshop we limited the number of participants. Issues addressed included:

• How should course assessment be handled?
• What are the key core computer science courses?
• Language(s) of instruction – key features, language selection, language paradigm.
• What is the most effective approach to programming assignments?
• What should be included in a computer security course (undergraduate and graduate)?
• Selecting and using the best texts and course materials.
• Developing, maintaining and sharing a database of course materials.

Participants: Computer science faculty from minority institutions, as well as faculty with an interest in curriculum development focusing on disadvantaged students. Special invitations were extended to faculty from the University of Mauritius and the University of the Western Cape. Both are universities in Africa involved in partnering relationships with Howard University. Invitations were extended to other Universities in South Africa, which have an established relationship with Howard University through the Howard University Republic of South Africa Program (HURSAP).

Highlights from the Computer Science Curriculum Workshop
"Better Preparing Disadvantaged Students in Computer Science:
A Focus on Security in Computing”
Wednesday, January 15, 2003, Mississippi e-Center, Jackson, MS

Participating Universities:

• Dillard University
• Jackson State University
• Mississippi Valley State University
• Spelman College
• Tougaloo College
• University of Mauritius
• University of the Western Cape
  

Sponsors ADMI (Association of Computer and Information Science/Engineering Departments at Minority Institutions) The Information Technology Enhancement Project (An International Development Partnership between the Mississippi Consortium for International Development and the University of Mauritius)
Host Department of Computer Science, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS

Workshop Coordinator Dr. Loretta Moore, ADMI Board Member, JSU Computer Science Department Chair

Session 1: Computer Science Program
Overview An Emphasis on Retention in Computer Science, Andrea Lawrence, Spelman College

• IT Programs at the University of Mauritius, Harry C. S. Rughooputh, University of Mauritius
• Updating Computer Science Courses to obtain an ABET Curriculum that can be Accredited, Constance Bland, Mississippi Valley State University
• Tougaloo College Computer Science Curriculum Revisions, Sharron Streeter, Tougaloo College
• The Computer Science Curriculum at Dillard University, Azubike Okpalaeze, Dillard University

Session 2: Course and Curriculum

• Development in Computer Science and Computer Engineering at Jackson State University, The Introduction of Programming Laboratories using the Imperative-First Approach, Selma Holmquist
• Programming Assignments for Computer Science Undergraduates, Tzusheng Pei
• Updating Core Topics in Computer Architecture Courses, Xuejun Liang
• Development of the Computer Engineering Curriculum at JSU, Mahmoud Manzoul

Session 3: Computer Security Presentations

• Building Information Security at an Undergraduate Institution, Andrea Lawrence, Spelman College
• Computer Security at the University of Western Cape, Roland Fray, University of the Western Cape
• Some Thoughts on Adding Computer Security Content to the Undergraduate Curriculum, Thomas English, Jackson State University
• Self-Generated Digital Watermark for Image Copyright Protection and Authentication, H.C.S. Rughooputh and S. DDV Rughooputh, University of Mauritius