Undergraduate Student Research in an Information Technology Senior Capstone Project Class

In spring 2009, AASU senior project instructor experimented with incorporating research into a senior project class. The instructor spent one quarter of the time teaching research methodology, the rest of the time working selected topics for creating a dynamic video tutorial website for middle school teachers to attract middle school students to information technology careers. The resulting website contains rich contents for middle or high school students to gain experience in developing information technology applications. Students reflected that they become more capable in assessing the root issue, having the big picture in solving problems. A high school teacher reviewed the project and commented that the project was well done, relevant to the need of the work place. This was the first time that we incorporated research into the class. Currently I am teaching a senior project class and intend to conduct formal assessment with the class