Abstract: “This paper reports on real world project based experience and learning with computer information science and technology projects and Penn State University campuses (Mont Alto & York). Working on the real world experiences improve the collaboration with industry and emphasizes on the team projects. This paper also deals with reasons for developing and implementing the real world project approach in IT project management, system analysis and design courses and Capstone project courses. It will also outline the modifications that were gained after the first experiences with this type of approach. Finally, we summarize the student’s perspectives and learning experiences, as well as faculty experiences with collaborating with industry.”

Keywords: Higher education, industry-university collaboration, team projects, project management , project based learning