Does a Taste of Computing Increase Computer Science Enrollment?

Abstract

Abstract-This study investigated the impact of the ExploringComputer 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.

CS as a Graduation Requirement

“…Currently, ECS is being taught in 63 schools to over 11,000 students by over 150 teachers. The alliance has also contributed to the literature on the impact of the ECS course on students' attitudes towards computer science [3], students' choices about future CS coursework [4], and students' development of computational thinking practices [5]. Lessons learned in Chicago over the last eight years can inform this process in other school districts.…”

Using Magic in Computing Education and Outreach

“…Student assignments can be created from contemplating the computer implementations used here and in [12]. We also note that we are starting to see quantifiable positive results from at least one new computing curriculum that makes some use of CS Unplugged activities [19], [20], [21], though these studies have not focused on the specific roll of unplugged activities and suggest that many factors are important to broadening the appeal of CS courses.…”

An Examination of the Correlation of Exploring Computer Science Course Performance and the Development of Programming Expertise

“…This research has been conducted in the context of the Chicago Alliance For Equity in Computer Science (CAFÉCS), which is an ongoing researcher-practitioner partnership between CPS, The Learning Partnership, DePaul University, Loyola University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago [3,4]. (Some important prior research results produced by the alliance report on the impact of the ECS course on students' attitudes towards computer science [2], students' choices about future CS coursework [16], and students' development of computational thinking practices [17]. )…”