Improving computer science curriculum and teaching in the new information age

The rapid advancement of computer science in the 21st century, driven by emerging technologies like mobile internet, cloud computing, Big Data, and artificial intelligence (AI), necessitates continuous improvement in computer science education. The 101 Plan, initiated by the Ministry of Education of China in December 2021, aims to elevate the teaching and education standards in top Chinese universities to a world-class level, addressing the challenges posed by an increasing number of undergraduates.

Led by Peking University and supported by a working group of 33 top universities, 101 Plan focuses on two main components: curriculum development and faculty teaching quality improvement. The curriculum development component, spearheaded by Yao Guo, involves identifying and refining 12 core courses in computer science. These courses, ranging from foundational topics like algorithms and data structures to specialized areas like AI and quantum computing, are systematically designed to cover essential knowledge points and promote progressive mastery of discipline skills.

To ensure the quality and effectiveness of teaching, 101 Plan emphasizes faculty development through classroom observation and feedback. This innovative approach involves faculty members observing each other’s lectures and discussing teaching methods and student engagement. This collaborative process fosters the exchange of best practices and promotes continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness.

The 101 Plan has achieved significant progress in developing core courses, textbooks, practice platforms, and faculty training. Core course designs, white papers, and teaching materials are available on the website, providing valuable resources for educators and learners. Textbook trials in various universities have gathered valuable feedback for further refinement. The establishment of virtual teaching labs and discipline collaboration groups facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration among faculty members.

Looking ahead, 101 Plan intends to expand its impact beyond the initial 33 universities to reach a wider audience of over 1,000 universities with computer science majors. This expansion requires adapting the existing materials to cater to diverse learning needs and exploring innovative approaches for evaluating and improving teaching effectiveness. The success of 101 Plan in computer science serves as a model for other disciplines, contributing to the overall enhancement of higher education in China and positioning the country as a leader in science and engineering education.

The work titled “Improving Computer Science Curriculum and Teaching in the New Information Age”, was published on Frontiers of Digital Education (published on July 2, 2024).