Assessing the Promise of the Exploring Computer Science Program

• In Event: Learning, Instruction, and Motivation in Computer Science Education

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the Exploring Computer Science (ECS) program on the extent to which students of all races and gender increased their interest in pursuing a computer science major. ECS is designed to foster deep engagement through equitable inquiry around computer science concepts. If the course is successful, it will increase students' expectancies of success as well as increase their perceived value for the field of computer science. Using survey research, we sought to measure whether students' course experiences influenced their expectancies and value. The results indicate that students who feel that the course met their goals tended to have higher expectancy and value, which led to increased interest in pursuing a computer science major.

Authors

• Steven McGee, Northwestern University

• Ronald I. Greenberg, Loyola University Chicago

• Lucia Dettori, DePaul University

• Dale F. Reed, University of Illinois at Chicago