The utilisation of the RIASEC Theory, based on the Holland Code, has gained substantial popularity in the realm of career planning. Nevertheless, only a limited number of studies have explored the potential influence of the six personality types identified in the Realistic-Investigative-Artistic-Social-Enterprising-Conventional Theory (RIASEC…

The development of elementary-aged students' STEM and computer science (CS) literacy is critical in this evolving technological landscape, thus, promoting success for college, career, and STEM/CS professional paths. Research has suggested that elementary-aged students need developmentally appropriate STEM integrated opportunities in the classroom;…

In 2019, California State University (CSU), Chico was awarded a five-year Teaching Quality Partnership (TQP) grant to implement the Computational Literacy Across Secondary Settings (CLASS) program. The goal of this program was to recruit, prepare, and retain highly qualified individuals into the teaching profession, with a focus on high-need rural…

This study uses complexity theory to understand the causal patterns of factors that stimulate students' intention to continue studies in computer science (CS). To this end, it identifies gains and barriers as essential factors in CS education, including motivation and learning performance, and proposes a conceptual model along with research…

Controversy and fanfare accompanied the announcement in 2010 by Mattel, Inc. of the Barbie® doll's 126th career--computer engineer. Even though women have been and still are in a minority in the information technology (IT) and computer science (CS) fields, enough women voted for the computer engineer as the next career for Barbie® on Mattel's…

Providing students with the professional, communication, and technical skills necessary to contribute to an ongoing software project is critical, yet often difficult in higher education. Involving student teams in real-world projects developed by professional software engineers for actual users is invaluable. Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)…

This article presents a reflective analysis of an outreach programme called the Digital Divas Club. This curriculum-based programme was delivered in Australian schools with the aim of stimulating junior and middle school girls' interest in computing courses and careers. We believed that we had developed a strong intervention programme based on…

Reports results of a study which examined students' assessment of societal influences on their participation in computing. Gender differences in attitudes toward three factors are discussed: computing as male dominated, influence of significant others, and negative attitudes associated with computing and career aspirations. Students, especially…

The Career Exploration in Computers Project assisted 146 young people between 18 and 21 who were employed during the summer in the Head Start program. The project introduced and reinforced the concept of career choice and broadened the perspective of those in data processing career tracks. Four populations were served: adults preparing for the…