(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)October 2, 2008

MAHWAH – Ramapo College announced receipt of a $400,929 grant in August from the National Science Foundation for a research project, “Phase II Expansion Project: The Next Generation of Practice Exercises for Computer Science I.”

The grant’s author and principal investigator is Dr. Amruth Kumar, a professor of computer science in the School of Theoretical & Applied Science of Ramapo College and a resident of Mahwah.  This award was made by the Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) section of the National Science Foundation.  CCLI awards are made to colleges and universities that offer strong programs in areas of science and mathematics and are seeking to enhance them through the development of new curriculum based on research in those fields.

The grant funds the completion of educational materials that Kumar has been developing for introductory programming.  These materials are currently being used by at least 18
Computer Science faculty in institutions around the country including California, Hawaii, Iowa and New York.  An important feature of the project is the involvement of students as undergraduate researchers.  After becoming acquainted with the material developed by Kumar, the students will design intelligent software that uses artificial intelligence, implement it and help evaluate its effectiveness.

Dr. Scott Frees, an assistant professor of computer science at Ramapo College will advise the project on usability issues.  Dr. Peter Brusilovsky, professor of computer science at the University of Pittsburgh, will advise the project on student modeling.  The grant money will cover the cost of their services.

At present, Ramapo College is conducting three other projects funded by the NSF, an accomplishment unusual for the College’s size of 5,600 students.

For more information, contact Anna Farneski, assistant vice president, Marketing and Communications, 201.684.6844.

###

About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Press Release Archives

| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 |