In this chapter, Computer Science, Computing, Computer Engineering, Informatics and Information Systems are encompassed within the term of ‘Information Technology’ (IT). These disciplines overlap content-wise and the respective terming depends on the definition, origin and history of individual HEIs. Among those Informatics is the widest discipline meaning the systematic handling and processing of information with computers. However, it is common to use Informatics and Computer Science synonymously. Nowadays, IT as a field of science is localised at the interface of formal Sciences and Engineering Sciences.
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Engineering and Information Technology: Challenges and Opportunities for Exchange Studies
Shanton Chang (The University of Melbourne, Australia), Martina von Imhoff (Technische Universität München, Germany), and Rikke Ilona Ustrup (IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark)
Copyright: © 2016
|Pages: 25
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-0169-5.ch012
Abstract
Students in the Engineering and Information Technology (IT) field are statistically less mobile than in many other disciplines. This has been documented across Australia, Europe and North America. While studies have shown the benefits of going abroad for a period of time, these messages seem to be lost on many Engineering and IT students. Using comparative case studies between/among various Universities, this chapter outlines and explores the challenges of trying to encourage more of such students to go abroad. Challenges include: (1) student concerns; (2) degree structure and program limitations; and (3) faculty buy-in. This chapter outlines three cases where strategic and operational actions have been taken to mitigate identified challenges. Best practices include the identification and introduction of ‘mobility windows' in curricula in cooperation with faculty, having a clear management framework and performance indicators and achieving faculty buy-in.