Centering Justice: Sharing Circles to Understand Experiences of Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous Students Engaged in Coding Workshops

• In Event: Fostering Equity Through Technology: Technology-Driven Approaches to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Abstract

This study explores how Coding/Robotics workshops can empower Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous high school students to perceive coding as a tool for social change in California's Central Valley. Utilizing sharing circles, students discussed personal experiences with technological injustices, such as surveillance and criminalization, which often portray technology as an oppressive force. Despite these challenges, the workshops succeeded in shifting students' perspectives, helping them recognize the potential of technology to advocate for their communities. Key themes included fear and safety, awareness and frustration, and the transformative power of culturally relevant pedagogy. The findings underscore the importance of integrating social justice themes into STEM education to foster engagement and empower students as future tech leaders and change-makers.

Author

• Swati Mehta, California State University - Fresno