Abstract:

This paper investigates the effectiveness of traditional Problem Based Learning (PBL) models being applied to Computer Science topics, as a suitable pedagogical strategy to enhance the learning experience for students. In particular the paper identifies and discusses the limitations associated with these methods considering the evolving nature of Computer Science as a discipline. A new PBL approach is introduced called Open PBL, a pedagogical strategy used to encourage innovation. This approach has been in development over the past five years at the National College of Ireland, in a third year Computing project module. Throughout the process students are required to design and develop their own problem, decouple their problem to identify the required IT components necessary to complete the project, liaise with the IT department to setup their lab machines and then continue to design, develop and test their projects. This paper addresses the key considerations required when implementing this strategy and identifies additional transferable skills acquired by the students throughout the process. Disparate projects are discussed from the last implementation of the module to illustrate the breadth of knowledge explored in the project module.

Keywords:

Problem Based Learning, Pedagogical Strategies, Innovation.