A Framework of Outcome-based Assessment and Evaluation for Computing Programs

Abstract

This paper is to present a framework for student outcome-based assessment and evaluation, including the process and detailed activities leading to continue assessment of the successes of an academic program which is essential to its sustainability. Moreover, this paper provides a survey of the literature that reviews the different means of assessing and evaluating an academic program together with the critical performance metrics which aid in quantifying such evaluation. The presented framework is implemented on the Information Technology program over a course of five years. The paper provides empirical insights about how careful implementation of the presented framework enabled the College of Information Technology in Ahlia University to achieve outstanding results in quality assurance and to be ABET accredited. The results of the implementation prove the effectiveness of the framework in improving the student performance and the program. This paper fulfils an identified need to study how student outcome-based assessment and evaluation model enables an academic institute to foster quality assurance instead of relying on ad hoc practices which might lead them to trial-and-error approach. The presented framework could be followed by other institution aiming for international accreditations.