Toward Developing an Experiential Learning Curriculum Model in Information Technology

Graduates of undergraduate Information Technology (IT) programs should have skills desired by regional businesses. Educating the next generation of IT professionals is a continuing challenge. In the IT program at a southeastern United States university, we are exploring ways to integrate real world experiences into the curriculum and allow students to develop relationships with each other as well as with local businesses. This paper describes a developing IT curriculum model which uses projects to provide experiential learning. The model is based on evolving theory in IT curriculum development, benefits of experiential learning outcomes, and the need for increasing emphasis on knowledge, skills, and attitude development. Three key areas include: a) current IT student skills at different curriculum levels; b) expected knowledge, skills, and attitudes of students; and c) type of experiential learning (or student engagement) at each curriculum level.