CS208 – Discrete Mathematics Group Assignment
ABSTRACT
This activity, which is set in the context of having students find the shortest route between cities is related to graph theory, circuits and paths. Students are asked to come to consensus within a small group as to a method for traveling between cities in a way that allows them to visit each city using the fewest miles. These methods and solutions are then shared with the rest of the class.
BACKGROUND
Kathleen Green, PhD
Senior Professor,
Computer Science
PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY
The Information and Computer Science (ICS) Department prepares students for a broad range of computer opportunities in industry as well as in graduate studies. ICS students choose one or more specialty areas from among these five options: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Analysis, Data Management, Networking. Depending on their chosen specialty area, ICS graduates are well prepared for these industry positions: Web programmer, applications programmer, systems analyst, information technology (IT) project manager, database analyst, network analyst. Upon graduation, ICS students should be able to:
- Apply creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in producing technology solutions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in use of popular computer technologies, programming languages, and methodologies.
- Identify appropriate information technologies for a given organizational context and explain how to incorporate such technologies into the given organizational context.
- Communicate effectively, ethically, and professionally in a team environment.
Finding the shortest route between cities is an important task for most businesses that require their employees to travel to various cities. Shortest routes usually save time and money and keep the travelers from returning to cities too often. In this activity, the students will be asked to determine the shortest route between several cities. They will also be asked to justify their method for coming up with the shortest route.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE
ASSIGNMENT, ACTIVITY, COURSE INNOVATION
I give 20 extra credit points for completing this project, 10 points for the group efforts and 10 points for the individual efforts.
This activity could be integrated into most any level. Discussion could include discrete mathematics topics related to graph theory, circuits and paths. With a lower level class you might use this activity to communicate methods of coming up with solutions. It would use more class time and become a communication/presentation tool. This activity could be used with a traditional Advanced Algebra or Pre-Calculus class when the topics of matrix operations are examined. I like to use this as an online group extra credit assignment. I chose groups of threes, in alphabetical order. I find that this is the best random sampling technique to use. This is also a way to integrate diversity in the assignment, i.e., age, demographics, and etc.
REFLECTION
KEY ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL ONLINE INSTRUCTION THAT I FIND BENIFICAL ARE:
- Humanize the online instruction – create an atmosphere of respect and treat each student as an individual learner.
- When presenting the material, do this in a personal voice that talks to each individual student, i.e., avoid “the student will . . . .” replace it with “you will . . . “.
- Be clear and concise when using the written word. It is hard to gauge a students reaction and understanding to online instructions.
- Use the power of the Internet and Media available to the students. Exploring various websites and related links will keep the student interested in the subject matter. I stress to students that one textbook cannot contain all the information on a subject matter. It can be compared to learning a new hobby, we do not just go to one source for information, we check out various sources, i.e., internet, books, magazines, experts, etc.
- Encouraging and facilitating meaningful online communications, both learner-to-faculty and learner-to-learner. I all my classes, I have a weekly question forum and/or study group.
- Designing Assignments that will engage the students in active learning. Active learning will help the student construct their own knowledge by applying it to real life situations that are meaningful to them.
- Providing timely and meaningful FEEDBACK to my students. I want them to know that I am out there for them in any way that I can help or just listen.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
CS 208 Assignment, Activity, Course Innovation
