A critical analysis of an introductory computer course for constructors

The course Microcomputer Applications in Construction (CON 251) was originally developed to teach computer literacy to undergraduate students. Basic computer skills were taught, which included certain functions in spreadsheets, word processors, and databases. Beginning in the Fall of 1995, a section on multimedia application development was added. Based on the experience gained through teaching CON 251, as well as on the results of surveys of industry needs and student opinions, a new syllabus was devised for the course. The methodology used to create the new syllabus, results of the research, and recommendations for continuous monitoring of the course and adaptation to change are presented in this paper.