In order to facilitate making changes to the DCS undergraduate curriculum,
we propose to define
- an XML format for Standardized Course Descriptions;
- processes for controlling changes to these documents;
- tools to assist in implementing these processes.
The proposal is based upon the
software engineering concept that one cannot
do effective design without reference to a concrete artifact.
As well, one cannot control change without having such
an artifact, keeping it under a change control system,
and defining processes and policies for change.
The total effort required from faculty is minimal,
and the processes for designated course owners
to make changes in their own courses are extremely lightweight,
thus encouraging change.
A technological proof-of-concept
uses one of my courses, csc407h as an example.
The system to support these documents and processes will be Web-based.
Each course will have a (system-generated) Web-page
whereby one can examine the standardized course description,
subscribe to be notified of proposed changes,
make change proposals, discuss change proposals, and
potentially officially object to a proposed change
(which would lead to an escalation to the Undergraduate Committee for
resolution).
The sample course's browser-viewable HTML is in the file
csc407.html.
The XML file that was processed to produce the viewable result
is in the file csc407.xml.
Such an XML file approximates the proposed format for standardized
course descriptions to be filled out and maintained by
designated course owners.
If you are interested in learning more,
please view the
detailed proposal.