implementing an interdisciplinary capstone course for associate degree information technology programs
The Multimedia Information Design department at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College has implemented a team-based, team-taught capstone course as a graduation requirement for students earning associate degrees in Audio/Video Production, Computer Graphics, Technical Communication, and Web Design. Students from the four degree programs are assigned to interdisciplinary teams of three to seven members. Each team is assigned a client from a business or non-profit organization in the community. Student teams must work together to plan and produce an integrated set of promotional and/or informational materials for the client, including deliverables for print, web, and video. Students also develop and deliver a series of formal and informal presentations, conduct usability testing for web products, and complete various team management and communication tasks. Because of Cincinnati State's unusual academic calendar, all of the coursework must be accomplished in nine weeks. The capstone course has been offered five times in the past three years. Students are challenged to exercise their highest levels of proficiency, and to integrate technical skills and "soft skills" in an environment that goes far beyond other classroom simulations or case studies. Students may also be "fired" from the course if they do not perform at expected levels of competence. The team-based approach to instruction places significant demands on department faculty to plan and communicate effectively. The instructional team continuously reviews the grading criteria and evaluates the course activities to ensure that the course succeeds in measuring and motivating the best skills of students who are on the verge of completing their degree programs.
capstone courses teamwork experiential learning student projects