Anne Philpott

Exploring programming assessment instruments: a classification scheme for examination questions

This paper describes the development of a classification scheme that can be used to investigate the characteristics of introductory programming examinations. We describe the process of developing the scheme, explain its categories, and present a taste of the results of a pilot analysis of a set of CS1 exam papers. This study is part of a project that aims to investigate the nature and composition of formal examination instruments used in the summative assessment of introductory programming students, and the pedagogical intentions of the educators who construct these instruments.

Embedding information security curricula in existing programmes

There is a need for educators of information technology professionals to monitor the demands of the market and to adjust their programmes and curriculum accordingly. A number of universities and colleges have sought opportunities to extend their programmes to incorporate the fast developing area of information security. The School of Computing and Information Sciences at the Auckland University of Technology offers two programmes in information technology - an undergraduate and a postgraduate one. Information security and information assurance concepts are integrated with the learning objectives of individual courses. This paper provides background information about the school and the existing programmes and describes an information security curriculum development process. The strategies and approaches adopted are justified through consultation with major stakeholders (industry and students). Some of the issues arising form the implementation of the information security curriculum such as the need to invest in resourcing are discussed, and possible future information security curriculum developments are briefly outlined.