Innovative George Mason University Teaching Model Wins Nearly $1M Google Award

FAIRFAX, VA – Replacing the 19th century conveyor belt model of education with a 21st century black belt model is the aim of the Mason Self-Paced Learning Increases Retention and Capacity (SPARC) project that received a $900,000 grant from tech giant Google’s Computer Science Capacity Awards Program.

George Mason University has received the first of three $300,000 installments from Google for the program.

“Our concept goes beyond increasing capacity, and includes increasing retention and enrollment by women and underrepresented groups,” says Professor Jeff Offutt, the grant’s principal investigator.

Offutt and his team believe traditional methods of simply adding more classrooms and teachers isn’t the solution. Their project identifies specific problems that make teaching introductory computer science courses difficult and limit the ability to encourage collaboration, critical thinking skills and divergent problem-solving abilities. SPARC proposes a pilot that involves testing a new approach to teaching the classes.

“Currently we expect students to learn the same material at the same rate of speed,” says Offutt. “The new courses will blend online learning, automated assessment, collaborative practice and peer-supported learning. This method will allow students to self-pace their way through the material.”

With SPARC, students will collaborate on practice assignments, and when they’re ready, present themselves for individual assessments, similar to karate students who earn belts by demonstrating their forms in front of instructors. Advanced and fast-learning students may speed through the courses, while less advanced and slower-learning students can proceed at a slower pace.

“Even if we don’t succeed in meeting Google’s goal of 3X capacity in three years, I am sure that we will improve student retention and make progress on addressing the capacity challenges facing computer science departments,” says Sanjeev Setia, computer science department chair.

Educational institutions were invited to contribute proposals for innovative, inclusive and sustainable approaches to address current scaling issues in university computer science educational programs, Google officials said.

Other universities funded by Google include Carnegie Mellon University, Duke University, North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina, Mount Holyoke College, Rutgers University and the University of California at Berkeley.

Featured

  • Image courtesy of Armstrong International

    The Modern Hot Water System Approach to Keep Higher Education Buildings Safe and Operational

    Higher education campuses face unique structural and operational demands. With a range of old and new buildings, a variety of facility types, and ambitious sustainability goals, it's essential that no aspect of infrastructural performance is overlooked. Facility managers must be equipped to provide a safe, reliable and efficient space for students, faculty and guests.

  • Texas K–12 District to Build New Elementary, High Schools

    The High Island Independent School District on the Bolivar Peninsula in Southeast Texas recently announced that construction on a new elementary school and a new high school will begin in January 2026, according to local news. Funding will come from a $27.9-million bond passed in May 2025.

  • Austin International School Library Renovation

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The Austin International School has been recognized with an EDS 2025 Grand Prize award in the category of Renovation.

  • Allegion US Partners with Two Colleges for Mobile Credential Technology

    Allegion US recently announced a partnership with Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and Denison College, in conjunction with Transact + CBORD, to install mobile credential technologies campus-wide, according to a news release. Implementing Mobile Student ID into Apple Wallet and Google Wallet will allow students access to campus facilities, amenities, and residence halls using just their phones.

Digital Edition