2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Assessment of Co-Curricular activities in STEM domain to improve Student Learning

Presented at Engineering Technology Division (ETD) Technical Session 7

Abstract:
This paper examines the impact of co-curricular activities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) domain for student outcomes. These outcomes are:
1.Analyze a broadly defined problem in the program’s domain and apply principles of the discipline to identify solutions. (Leveraging STEM)
2.Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on appropriate legal and ethical principles. (Evaluation)
3.Use systematic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to accomplish user goals. (Advanced Application)
It was observed a decline for the above three student outcomes in May 2024 for CEIS106. CEIS106 - Linux operating system course has been a challenging experience for freshman students. In order to remediate the issue, the first activity (managing users accounts in Linux) was conducted on June 6th, 2024, as part of the IEEE and CompTIA student branch event virtually at DeVry University using Engageli platform. Six students participated in this event and the recording was shared with all students. As a result, positive trends were observed for two outcomes (Leveraging STEM and Evaluation). However, the Advanced Application outcome did not show significant improvement. A second workshop (manage file permissions and ownership in Linux) was held on Sep 19th, 2024. 22 students participated in this workshop. Five questions quiz was conducted in each workshop utilizing Kahoot learning platform to deliver the quiz. The data was analyzed to establish performance criteria with a rubric that aligns between the program curriculum, course objectives, and student outcomes.
These activities were recommended by key stakeholders such as students and faculty to improve students experience in CEIS106.
Passing percentage, Persistence, and Withdrawal Rates were also examined. The results show positive trend for Passing percentage and course Withdrawal Rates for the July 2024 session.
As a part of continuous improvement, the Co-Curricular workshops played a key role in improving and enhancing student learning in the CEIS106 course.

Authors

Dr. Simon Obeid DeVry University [biography]

Dr. Simon Obeid earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of North Carolina in 2008, where he also earned his Master of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering and Graduate Certificate in Information Security. A member since 2003, Obeid served as the chair of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Computer Society for the DeVry Charlotte chapter from 2009-2012, and as vice chair the year before. He is ABET evaluator since 2015. For Widely published, Obeid has presented his research at dozens of conferences and has served as a reviewer or guest speaker for many others. He was invited to speak to Tech Tactics conference 2023 about Security Awareness for K-12 education.
Dr. Navaratnam Suganthan [biography]

Dr. Suganthan is a licensed Professional Engineer currently serving as the Assistant Dean of Colleges and Curriculum for the College of Engineering and Information Sciences at DeVry University. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, as well as a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education from Argosy University.
With over 15 years of experience in various administrative roles, Dr. Suganthan has significantly contributed to academia as the Associate Dean for the College of Engineering & Information Sciences and Media Arts and Technology, Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean of Technology Programs, Dean of Electronics Programs, and Campus Dean. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he has over 25 years of teaching experience in electronics and mathematics at both DeVry University and Texas A&M University.
In the professional arena, Dr. Suganthan is an ABET-IEEE Program Evaluator and has practical experience as an Electrical Engineer at Renco Design Ltd. and as a Test Engineer at Valmet Automation. His professional affiliations include membership in the Eta Kappa Nu (HKN, the National Honor Society for Electrical Engineers), the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). He is also a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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