Abstract
Focusing on having accurate assessment during Information Technology Practicum, this article focuses on improving the assessment instrument, particularly from the university’s perspective. The works are motivated by the bad feedbacks from the industry regarding Practicum performance and assessment. Based on its suitability, a combination of Design Science Research methodology and Action Research are adapted to conduct this study. The improved design focuses on student learning needs and policy by integrating Practicum elements, university’s expectations, and transferable skills expected to be delivered. Emphasis is given on integrating important elements in achieving Practicum learning outcomes. To ensure its readiness for real implementation, the improved instrument has been evaluated involving Practicum stakeholders for three academic semesters. The improved design is believed to measure Practicum performance accurately in preparing IT graduates to face the industry, as stated in IR 4.0.
Highlights
Practicum or internship is intended as a course of study to train university students in practical aspect to create crucial learning ties between theory and practice (Forlin & Gibson, 1997), found to be useful in the evaluation of student’s capability and the program revision process (Verney et al, 2009), and useful in helping interns to understand theories learned in class and improved their learning and comprehension of issues pertinent to their specific fields of study (Bukaliya, 2012)
Practicum plays a significant role for Information Technology
Action research is chosen based on its suitability involving implementation cycles in a real Practicum situation for evaluation purposes
Summary
Practicum or internship is intended as a course of study to train university students in practical aspect to create crucial learning ties between theory and practice (Forlin & Gibson, 1997), found to be useful in the evaluation of student’s capability and the program revision process (Verney et al, 2009), and useful in helping interns to understand theories learned in class and improved their learning and comprehension of issues pertinent to their specific fields of study (Bukaliya, 2012). In the field of study, students can work and use the knowledge and skills that have been theoretically learned. It is an essential component for undergraduate programs to the extent that certain programs have set Practicum as a necessary prerequisite to attain bachelor degree requirements. IT Practicum aims to introduce students to actual working conditions requiring IT practice, improve students’ knowledge by introducing them to industrial processes, and provide students with opportunities to learn and execute real tasks in a more demanding environment. Students will be assessed on their soft skills during practicum while applying their theoretical and practical knowledge
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