What about the gatekeepers? School principals’ and school guidance counsellors’ attitudes towards computer science in secondary schools

Abstract

Background and Context: School principals and school guidance counsellors can be very influential in deciding what subjects are offered on the curriculum, how they are promoted and who they are targeted to. For that reason, exploring their views of Computer Science (CS) as a subject can help unearth potential barriers that may hinder the wider uptake of the subject in schools.Objective: This study aimed to explore school principals and school guidance counsellors' views of CS as a subject at upper second level education in Ireland as part of the launch of a new subject. Method: Using one-to-one semi-structured interviews, the study sought the views of a sample pf 10 school principals and 10 school guidance counsellors from secondary schools in Ireland that had recently introduced the subject of CS on the curriculum. Findings: The study found contradictory views expressed, where the participants emphasised the value of the subject for all students, while at the same time presenting it as more suitable for certain types of students -highlight the tensions between the espoused values and the actual reality of practice.

Digital learning experiences and spaces: Learning from the past to design better pedagogical and curricular futures

“…In 2015, a strong presence throughout the JC is the flexibility for teachers' proficiency, competence and learners' capacity to determine their own experiences through eight key skills which focus on digital embodiment throughout (DES, 2015). This is the first time within education in Ireland that teachers were acknowledged as 'curriculum makers' and 'agents of change' (DES, 2015;McGarr et al, 2020) in line with recent research (Manyukhina & Wyse, 2019;Mercer, 2012;Priestley et al, 2015). This skills-based style of technology education was becoming outdated, and an increased emphasis was placed on learner capacities as opposed to basic digital abilities (Scanlon & Connolly, 2021).…”

“…Within the same survey (DES, 2008), 45% of learners stated that they taught themselves how to use the internet and although there were positive attitudes towards technology, it was also reported that the range of computer skills taught in the classroom was limited. Private industry focused on technology and CS that was increasing leading to the infrastructure and level of connectivity in Ireland increasing through extensive investment by government and industry (McGarr et al, 2020).…”

“…These reflections of initiatives, interventions and policies that have aimed to reform DS in education for students and teachers are timely and relevant (Connolly et al, 2022), this study is part of this same international effort to focus on the impact of CSE learning experiences within PP education. There has been an increase in research into teachers' role in the CS education system in recent years (Marcus‐Quinn et al, 2019; McGarr et al, 2020; McGarr & McDonagh, 2021). In those recent studies, an emphasis is placed on teachers' values and beliefs crossing over into their capacities (Wyse & Ferrari, 2014).…”

A case study of computer science lecturer’s selection and use of digital tools in an Irish Technological University

“…These range from 'operational technology', involving day-to-day uses such as managing and distributing content, to enhancing teaching and leaning through the use of 'educational technology' (Davies et al, 2008). Additionally, CS educators also have to contend with the learning and instruction of technology itself, 'technology education' (Jones & Rocco, 1999) which offers challenges such as professional development support and keeping up-to-date (McGarr et al, 2020).…”

Brief History of K-12 Computer Science Education in Ireland

“…In terms of assessing the students there is a piece of continuous work (coursework), worth 30% of their marks, and one terminal exam in the subject, worth the remaining 70% of marks. The coding part of the course is taught using Python and JavaScript, although the aim is to regularly review this in line with industry developments (McGarr, McInerney, Exton, & Power, 2019).…”