Promoting Equity in Computer Science/Computational Thinking Education: A Study of Girls and Underserviced Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Ten
  In Roundtable Session: Gender and Other Factors Impacting Student Interest and Achievement in Computing and Engineering Education (Table 6)

Abstract

This study examines the experience of girls, particularly underserved girls, in an informal setting aimed to promote equity in computing-related fields. Specifically, it focuses on investigating how the experience affected students’ learning of CT and effective pedagogical approaches. In this qualitative case study, design-based principles were applied where data collection spanned two years. The context is an online after-school program for grades 3-12 girls. The results show that the underserved girls have an enhanced understanding of and interest in computing. Authentic learning, collaboration, providing role models, and building a learning community are found to be particularly effective. Lessons learned are also identified.

Authors

• Qing Li, Towson University
  Presenting Author

• Viktorria Mccormick, Towson University
  Presenting Author

• Adetokunbo Adekoga
  Presenting Author

• Mahnaz Moallem, Towson University
  Presenting Author