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Introductory Computer Science Mentorship Program
Wendy Powley, School of Computing
Learning to program can be challenging and intimidating, especially for young women who feel they don’t belong in a male-dominated field. Creative Computing (CISC 110) is a course designed to entice women to try computing for the first time. In the class, 60 per cent of students are female. Although inspired by the course, many do not continue to take further courses. The goal of this peer-mentoring project is to provide students with individualized assistance in the form of active learning, code walk-throughs, detailed written feedback, and personal support to solidify their knowledge and boost their confidence. The mentorship program will also foster leadership and further the School of Computing’s equity, diversity and inclusion efforts. The goal is to increase the number of students (particularly women) who continue in Computer Science after taking CISC 110 and to train students to educate and mentor in an inclusive and sensitive manner.
Simulations, Role-Play and Long-form Scenarios: An emerging experiential learning opportunity to teach through complex issues
Kathryn Fizzell, Experiential Learning Hub; David Skillicorn, School of Computing
Simulation-based exercises are a way to bring real-world scenarios into the classroom, creating unique hands-on learning opportunities for students. This project explores simulations that involve presenting students with a specific situation and problem, and assigning them roles that require them to work together to develop tactics and strategies for responding in positive ways. To support faculty and project coordinators in using this form of experiential learning, the EL Hub, in partnership with the School of Computing, will conduct background research on pedagogical strategies related to simulation, role-play, and long form scenarios to create practical resources and materials for supporting their design and delivery. These materials will be piloted through a long-form scenario table-top cybersecurity training exercise being delivered by the School of Computing to students in the new NSERC CREATE Cybersecurity Graduate Training Program and promoted to other faculty and project coordinators through the EL Hub website and workshop presentations.