Examining Student Learning in a Mobile Phone–Based, Community Research, Computer Science Curriculum

• In Event: 70.019 - Division C Section 1e: Fostering Students' Interest and Attitudes in Computer Science and Engineering Education

Abstract

This paper examines the learning of students—who have been historically underrepresented in computer science (CS)—when conducting community research with mobile phone apps and CS tools. Using sociocultural theory to define learning, this mixed-methods study employed quantitative methods to analyze student pre- and post-project surveys, interpretive participant observation qualitative methods, and multimodal analyses of students’ final projects and videos of students presenting these projects. Results included students gaining new understandings of data and research, increased motivation to learn computer science, but mixed depth of analysis on students’ final projects. This paper contributes to AERA’s 2015 theme regarding education and justice, and Division C, Section 1e’s focus on learning in carefully designed computer science environments.

Author

• Jean J. Ryoo, Exploratorium