Integrating Industry-Specific Training into Mainstream University Computer Science Curriculum: Case of SMU

T Hungwe,S M Seeletse,T A Dandadzi

doi:10.13189/ujer.2021.090811

Abstract

Changes in industry promote curriculum reforms in education, especially in higher education, which serves as an industry feeder. The need to renew the Computer Science curriculum (CSC) is critical because it is dynamic and constantly evolves as the axis of modern technology. Integrating the industry's needs into the CSC can be a useful strategy for keeping up with such changes. A number of countries in Europe and beyond have developed ways in bringing vocational training into mainstream university curriculum. This paper discusses the significance of integrating industry-specific training (IST) into the existing CSC in higher education. The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa is used as an example. This integration combines standard academic CSC content with beneficial, carefully selected industry aspects. The study followed a qualitative design, which encompassed the ideas and perceptions of the students enrolled at the time, experiences of former students who are employed in the computer science industry, and lecturers. Data were collected using questionnaires, directed to each stratum. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. Results from the study were satisfactory and affirmed that, IST integration into the CSC is valuable, helps build networks and integrates timely mentorship into the world of work in the students.

Highlights

This Industry-specific training (IST) provides knowledge and qualifications in a given industry or sector
The following responses capture the range of benefits, value addition and aspects of the best practices, which are derived from integration of IST in Computer Science curriculum (CSC) as provided by participants: Participant A: “Overall these courses were brilliant in a sense of clarifying the different Computer Science (CS) fields available to us and solidifying our CVs for potential work”
This section reflects on the research question: How can industry specific training (IST) be best incorporated into CS in South African Higher Education (SAHE)? There is emphasis from the responses that IST should be integrated into the CSC

Summary

Introduction

This Industry-specific training (IST) provides knowledge and qualifications in a given industry or sector. By nature IST certifications are traditionally industry specific training-oriented, extremely technical in nature and as such, complement academic knowledge, core concepts, computing practices and learning experiences in Computer Science (CS) [1]. Such training is required as employers seek graduates who are ‘job ready’, who immediately on employment are productive and who do not need further training in what they are supposed to achieve. A number of higher education training programmes in Europe and beyond have implemented IST integration Among these are German [2], Australia [3], Israeli [4], United Kingdom, United States, and Japan [5], which have linked academic and work-based learning in vocational academies, polytechnic colleges, and universities of technologies and mainstream universities. Such practices are vital for value addition to academic programmes as authentic practices, collaborative problem

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Conclusion