Dave is an experienced, award-winning, learner-centered university lecturer with more than 45 years of experience in systems analysis, programming, database design, teaching, overall business operations, and managing an information technology department in a medium sized company.
After earning a BS degree in social work, and an AA degree in computer applications from Manchester University (College, at the time), he worked in industry for nearly 30 years, utilizing his computer skills. At the age of 50, he returned to academia and completed a MS degree in Computer Science at Ball State University in 2010. He has been teaching full time at BSU since then. During his time here, he initiated the long-standing tradition of the CS 120 All-section Art Show, conducted a multi-year immersive learning project with local schools to help them integrate computer science into their curriculum, conducted a month-long study abroad trip for students to England, Scotland, and Ireland, and regularly presents at various conferences.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as an advisor for the Golden Key International Honour Society chapter at BSU, and as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America.
He enjoys being part of other’s learning, and especially likes seeing a "light bulb" turn on when something suddenly "clicks" for a learner. He also find it very rewarding to mentor young adults as they take on, and learn the meaning of, leadership.
Education
- M.S., Computer Science, Ball State University, 2010
Professional Specializations
- Pedagogy
- Group stages of development
- Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equity
Industry Experience
-
Information Services Manager, Townsend Tree Service Co., Inc., 1988-2007
- Systems Analysis Supervisor, Townsend Tree Service Co., Inc., 1984-1988
- Computer Programmer, Townsend Tree Service Co., Inc., 1979-1984
Recognitions
Additional Responsibilities
- Faculty Fellow for Student Success
- iClicker Faculty Mentor
- Regional Representative, Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges (CCSC) Midwest region
- Member, CCSC:MW Conference Committee
- Faculty Advisor, Golden Key International Honour Society
- Conference Chair, CCSC:MW 2016 & 2017
Sampling of Recent Scholarly Activity
PUBLICATIONS - REFEREED
Journal Article
Lawson, K.M., Barrineau, M., Woodling, C.M., Ruggles, S., & Largent, D.L. (2023) The Impact of COVID-19 on U.S. Computer Science Faculty’s Turnover Intentions: The Role of Gender. In Sex Roles. Springer Nature, Berlin, Germany.
Journal Article
Largent, D.L. (2022) Instantiating Specifications Grading in Computer Science Courses. In Proceedings of the 53rd ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education. ACM, New York, NY, USA, 1118.
Journal Article
Gestwicki, P. & Largent, D.L. Building Community and Validating Co-Curricular Achievement. In Proceedings of the 53rd ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education. ACM, New York, NY, USA, 1095. doi.org/10.1145/3478432.3499127
Journal Article
Largent, D. (2019) Using an Art Show in CS1 to Spark Interest in Computer Science. In Proceedings of the 50th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education. ACM, New York, NY, USA, 1281-1281
Journal Article
Zimmermann, P., Stallings, L., Pierce, R., & Largent, D. (2018). Classroom Interaction Redefined: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Moving Beyond Traditional Classroom Spaces to Promote
Student Engagement. In Journal of Learning Spaces, 7(1). ISSN 21586195. University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro NC.
Book Chapter
Largent, D.L. (2019). To write dirty, you have to know what clean is. In C. Sweet, H. Blythe, & R. Carpenter (Eds.),It Works for Me with Critical Thinking: A step-by-step guide (pp. 70-72). Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.
Book Chapter
Largent, D.L. (2019). Finding relevancy in the news. In C. Sweet, H. Blythe, & R. Carpenter (Eds.), It Works for Me with Critical Thinking: A step-by-step guide (pp. 84-86). Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.
Book Chapter
Largent, D.L. (2019). Forcing students to make an informed choice. In C. Sweet, H. Blythe, & R. Carpenter (Eds.), It Works for Me with Critical Thinking: A step-by-step guide (pp. 99-101). Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.
Book Chapter
Largent, D. L. (2018). Highlight your student’s work: Art show (but not by artists)! In C. Sweet, H. Blythe, & R. Carpenter (Eds.), It Works for Me with High-Impact Practices: A Step-By-Step Guide (pp. 132-134). Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.
Book Chapter
Gestwicki, P. V., Largent, D. L. (2018). Improving course plans via standardized committee review. In C. Sweet, H. Blythe, & R. Carpenter (Eds.), It Works for Me with High-Impact Practices: A Step-By-Step Guide (pp. 13-14). Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.
Book Chapter
Largent, D. L. (2018). Team work does not have to be a bad thing. In C. Sweet, H. Blythe, & R. Carpenter (Eds.), It Works for Me with High-Impact Practices: A Step-By-Step Guide (pp. 63-65). Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.
Book Chapter
Hall, S. S., Largent, D. L., Vercellotti, M. L. (2017). Building Institutional Support for SoTL. It Works for Me with SoTL: A Step-By-Step Guide (pp. 56-58). Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.
Book Chapter
Largent, D. L. (2017). Try out your new pedagogy. Find out if it works. Share it with the world. Hold on! Not so fast... In H. Blythe, C. Sweet, & R. Carpenter (Eds.), It Works for Me with SoTL: A Step-By-Step Guide (pp. 58-60). Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.
Journal Article
Largent, D. L. (2016). Measuring and Understanding Team Development by Capturing Self-assessed Enthusiasm and Skill Levels. ACM Transactions on Computing Education 16(2), 27.
Related Links