Look, no timetable [education]

Abstract

Sir Sandford Fleming College offers 3-year programs where the final semester is completely timetable free and problem based. This paper describes the launch and first year of Fleming's Applied Projects program where computer and engineering technology students do full-term project work that is useful to an enterprise. The enterprise sponsor is one who provides the setting for a real-world problem to form the basis of the project. The program is also a cost saver. Unlike cooperative work placements or internships, an applied project makes extensive use of faculty mentors and advisors. Their role is to facilitate, guide and evaluate the learning that is required for student's area of study. The program itself is yearlong with three phases, which are establishing, planning and executing, the latter being a full time semester with no formal timetable.