Using a Networked Community to Support Equitable Access to Computational Learning: The Digital Divas

• In Event: 31.092 - Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: 31.092-4 - Learning Sciences SIG Poster Session

Abstract

The practice of working through computational design projects can lead to learning and future possibilities, but quality opportunities for such practice are less common for youth who come from areas with fewer socioeconomic resources. As access to the Internet becomes more readily available, online environments have the potential to allow social and material resources to reach beyond school and home access boundaries. In order to create these sociotechnical systems, we need to better understand how to design and study online learning for different populations. In this paper, we share research looking closely at a summer program for inner-city middle school girls focused on computational design projects. Results offer insights for designing online environments to support face-to-face opportunities.

Authors

• Caitlin Kennedy Martin, DePaul University - Digital Youth Network

• Ugochi Cynthia Acholonu, DePaul University

• Nichole D. Pinkard, DePaul University

• Denise Nacu, DePaul University