The point of the CT598 or CT599 Capstone Project is to provide the student with the opportunity for intensive exploration of a specific topic that ties computer technology (or closely related issues) to education. Students work closely with an instructor/mentor from the CTE faculty, who guides the work as necessary and evaluates it upon completion.
The Project should:
A successful Project generally displays the following features:
The Process:
1. The student may register for CT598 or CT599 after completing seven (7) courses in the CTE program.
2. Before registering, the student should select a topic, prepare a proposal, consult with the CTE Graduate Advisor, and choose an instructor/mentor from the CTE program's faculty, who will guide the work as necessary and evaluate it at the end. Students are also encouraged to obtain the input of appropriate outside advisors.
3. Obtain the Special Topics Request form from the Thomas College Graduate Studies Office, fill it out, attach the proposal, and obtain the signatures of the mentor/instructor, the CTE Graduate Advisor, and the head of Graduate Studies.
4. At registration, the student will hand in the approved and signed registration form, together with the description of the project (proposal).
5. Students are encouraged to finish their CT598 or CT599 course in the term in which they register. Extensions are available under certain circumstances.
6. Students must follow accepted academic standards (MLA, APA, etc.) for footnotes, references, etc.
The Proposal:
Begin with a statement of the topic (or problem) and its context. The following are only examples:
General statement of the problem.
(E.g.: Seventy-two percent of the students at the William Gates Junior High School do not have access to a computer instruction as measured by their class schedules)
Description of setting
(E.g.: The Williams Gates Junior High School has 30 staff members, 500 students, 4 self-contained classrooms, 1 computer lab, and 360 students who do not have computer instruction.)
Description of community
(E.g.: Rural population of 2500, 4 schools in the district, one elementary [grades K-3], one intermediate [grades 4-5], one junior high school [grades 6-8],
one high school [grades 9-12].)
Regional, state, and national comparisons of the problem
(E.g.: As identified at the William Gates JHS through surveys, state reports, etc.)
As appropriate, consider causes of and solutions to the problem, choose a solution to attempt, and explain the choice of solution.
As appropriate, describe the attempt to implement the chosen solution, report the results, and make recommendations for future action.
Research-based or theoretical topics may not seem to fit the above schema. Adapt as necessary.
The title page should include besides the obvious (title and author), the following:
Presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science - Computer Technology in Education
Thomas College
180 West River Road
Waterville, ME 04901
<month and year of submission>