Our Philosophy
"Everything about the program - from the diversity of course offering and flexibility of class schedules to the communication skills of staff instructors - is designed with the welfare of students in mind."
The Microcomputer Program is committed to its high standards of quality. Existing courses are continually updated in response to improvements in hardware and software technology, while new courses are added in response to student requests, community needs, and technological innovations that have the potential to become the standards of the future. Instructors continually update their technological knowledge as well as their communication and presentation skills.
EXCELLENT STAFF
The exceptionally high technical proficiency and presentation skills of the teaching staff are two factors that make the Microcomputer Program at UM-St. Louis unique. Many of the faculty are computer professionals who have refined their knowledge and skills in the real-world work environment.
But the invitation to join the staff as an instructor in the Microcomputer Program rests as much on an individual's ability to communicate his/her knowledge as it does on the knowledge itself. Instructors are chosen not only for the breadth and depth of their technical knowledge and experience, but also for their ability to clearly communicate technical information and assist beginning and advanced students to understand and apply it.
STUDENTS ARE THE FOCAL POINT
And, of course, students are the focal point of the program. Everything about the program - from the diversity of course offerings and flexibility of class schedules to the communication skills of staff instructors - is designed with the welfare of students in mind.
To accommodate students, day and evening classes are held at two different sites, one on the UM-St. Louis campus and one at the West County Computer Center near Manchester Road and Interstate 270. Eight computer labs are equipped with over 200 personal computers.
The Program ensures that the proper technology is available for each course through an equipment update cycle in which selected labs are updated on a rotating basis. This update schedule provides for computer maintenance and replacement in response to changing technology.
CUSTOMIZED - NOT "CANNED" CURRICULUM
The curriculum is also continually updated in response to user needs and technological advances. Class content is planned and developed by the instruction staff based on their analyses of students needs. Program are not canned; rather, they are created and refined by the teaching staff as a result of student feedback and the instructors experiences in real-life work environments.
Consistency and quality of class content are priorities. Any improvements and/or changes in a particular course are made in the curriculum used by all teachers of that course. This kind of consistency is advantageous for students. For example, students who enroll in an introductory course in a particular application can be assured that the intermediate and advanced courses that follow will build on the same curriculum foundation that they received in the introductory course, even if course instructors are different.
The quality of instruction is ensured through a comprehensive program of instructor training. New instructors receive extensive training in both technological areas and in presentation skills before being assigned a course schedule.
STUDENTS GET WHAT THEY NEED - QUICKLY
The concentrated format of course offerings is also a benefit to students. Since many of the individuals who attend courses are working adults, time is at a premium. By condensing course content into a series of one-day classes that present beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, the Program gives students in-depth instruction within a short period of time.
Students can also choose a class format that fits their individual learning styles. Night classes are scheduled during sequential weeks to accommodate students who want time to assimilate each level's content before going on to the next level. Day classes are scheduled on sequential days for those students who want a more in-depth experience in as short a period of time as possible.
This flexibility helps students master the basics in a relatively short period of time. When they leave the classroom, students are ready to perform practical applications of the course material they have just learned.
HANDS-ON PRACTICE REINFORCES THEORY
Instructional methods and techniques center on reinforcing theoretical knowledge with ample hands-on practice and exercises. Lecture periods alternate with practice periods, enabling students to apply the information being presented. Instructors move throughout the classroom, making themselves available to students who need or desire one-on-one assistance.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
The Microcomputer Program at UM-St. Louis carefully monitors its growth so that quality remains high. The focus is on meeting current and future technological challenges as they relate to individuals living and working in the community served by the University. Judging by the success of the Program during the last 23 years, it is meeting these challenges with creativity, responsibility, and excellence.
