Does a taste of computing increase Computer Science enrollment?

Steven McGee, Randi McGee-Tekula, Jennifer Duck, Taylor White, Ronald I. Greenberg, Lucia Dettori, Dale F. Reed, Brenda Wilkerson, Don Yanek, Andrew Rasmussen, Gail Chapman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the Exploring Computer Science (ECS) program on the likelihood that students of all races and gender would pursue further computer science coursework in high school. ECS is designed to foster deep engagement through equitable inquiry around computer science concepts. If the course provides a meaningful and relevant experience, it will increase students' expectancies of success as well as increase their perceived value for the field of computer science. Using survey research, we sought to measure whether the relevance of students' course experiences influenced their expectancies and value and whether those attitudes predicted whether students pursued further computer science coursework. The results indicate that students whose course experience increased expectancies for success were more likely to take another course.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2016 Research on Equity and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology, RESPECT 2016 and 2nd Annual Conference of the IEEE Computer Society's Special Technical Community on Broadening Participation, STCBP 2016 - Co-located with the STARS Celebration Annual Conference of STARSComputingCorps.org
EditorsJamie Payton, Adrienne Decker, George K. Thiruvathukal, Tiffany Barnes, Kurt Eiselt
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781509034192
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 27 2017
Event2016 Research on Equity and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology, RESPECT 2016 and 2nd Annual Conference of the IEEE Computer Society's Special Technical Community on Broadening Participation, STCBP 2016 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: Aug 11 2016Aug 13 2016

Publication series

Name2016 Research on Equity and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology, RESPECT 2016 and 2nd Annual Conference of the IEEE Computer Society's Special Technical Community on Broadening Participation, STCBP 2016 - Co-located with the STARS Celebration Annual Conference of STARSComputingCorps.org

Other

Other2016 Research on Equity and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology, RESPECT 2016 and 2nd Annual Conference of the IEEE Computer Society's Special Technical Community on Broadening Participation, STCBP 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period8/11/168/13/16

Funding

This research was supported by National Science Foundation grants CNS-1138515, CNS-1138417, and CNS-1543217.

Keywords

  • Exploring Computer Science
  • computer science attitudes
  • high school computer science

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science (miscellaneous)
  • Education
  • Sociology and Political Science

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