A model for information technology curriculum

In September, 2001, the National Science Foundation awarded the Unviversity of Arkansa - Fort Smith funds for a research project entitled "Information Technology Education for the 21st Century Workforce". One of the goals for this project was: Reform the education paradigm by creating a national model for IT education that is competency-based with integration of general education. An extensive review of national IT skill standards was conducted with particular focus on those developed by the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies and the Ohio IT Competency Profile. A web survey was conducted where IT employers were then asked to score the importance of each of these standards. The original skill standards and results of the survey became the basis for competencies for each course. The overall program structure incorporated the Educational Development Corporation's Career Development Model.

This institution transitioned from a comprehensive (but technically oriented) community college to a 4-year degree granting institution. This transition coupled with this grant was viewed as an opportunity to grow in service to the region, and not the first step in the elimination of job training and technical (and higher cost) lower division programs.

This project maintains an options-oriented framework that ensures students receive a wide variety of salable skills, which meet the requirements of large and small employers in local, regional and national markets.