Active Learning in Computing

The ALiC (Active Learning in Computing) CETL (Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning), led from Durham University - ALiC, focuses on increasing the level of student engagement within the computing curriculum and making their experiences more relevant to industry .

As well as Durham and Leeds, other partners include University of Newcastle and Leeds Metropolitan University

The proposed CETL, whilst providing a focused contribution to teaching and learning within computing, will also have wide applicability across HE. ALiC brings together a set of co-located universities and staff focused on promoting active learning. Collectively, it represents the full spectrum of both student population and curriculum diversity in terms of such factors as topic (e.g. Software Engineering, Information Systems, Multimedia Design), level (HNC, foundation and masters levels) and mode (full-time, part-time and sandwich).

Project Aims

Through project and group work ALiC aims to:

• Aim 1 Increase levels of students engagement in the curriculum through the delivery of effective approaches, assessments and tools supporting active learning techniques, thus ensuring that staff-student contact time is more efficient and effective.
• Aim 2 Better equip students for employment by enabling an active dialogue between all stakeholders, introducing a strong real world perspective into the curriculum including multidisciplinary problem-solving.
• Aim 3 Drive the agendas of the Roberts Report - SET for Success and the Boyer Commission Report to demonstrate how to better integrate research and teaching activities.
• Aim 4 Revolutionise the learning environment to embrace diversity and enable students to control the pace and style of their learning.

CETL ALiC is using a wiki to share information between sites.