Students Develop Real-World Computer Information Systems

In the academic year 2001-2, Pace University CSIS students served the community by developing real-world computer information systems for actual customers. We describe the general use of team projects in CSIS at Pace University, the real-world projects from this academic year, the benefits of including real-world projects in the curriculum, and their cost in terms of the instructor load and the project development infrastructure. We found that the benefits of our method of structuring and conducting the real-world projects far outweigh the cost of providing them. The projects provide valuable systems for the customers, allow the students to develop technical and value skills, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, encourage student involvement in the university and local communities, support student and faculty research, enhance relationships between the university and local technology companies, and increase national recognition of the university.