As K-12 computer science education mandates rapidly evolve across America, government officials, technology industry executives, and school leaders recognize such efforts' intellectual and economic importance. Specifically in Tennessee, a unanimous vote from the Tennessee General Assembly resulted in the passage of Chapter 979 of the Public Acts…

Computer Science (CS) is a rapidly growing field that impacts almost every aspect of students' lives. From media consumption to future careers in medicine, agriculture, security, finance, and other areas, understanding computer programming is essential for 21st-century society and careers. Over the next decade, employment opportunities in computer…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand how K-8 teachers in Nevada describe computational concepts, practices, and perspectives preparation in making them ready to teach computer science. Brennan and Resnick's computational thinking served as the theoretical framework for this study. Four research questions guided this…

Computer science (CS) education has experienced rapid growth over the past decade with student demand leading to new courses or course pathways being offered in K-12 educational settings. Student demand has been matched by parent/community and technology industry support. Educators have quickly responded to the demand by expanding course…

In recent years there has been an increased push for K-12 computer science education. A major reason for this push is the growing evidence that introducing young children to coding can enhance their interest and promote their learning of foundational skills needed to thrive in today's technologically rich world. However, little research has…

Computational thinking (CT) has great potential for enhancing mathematics and science lessons in K-12 education. Numerous studies demonstrate that under the right circumstances, CT integration in math and science can improve student learning and promote deeper understanding. However, teacher education currently does not include preparation for…

This study explored correlations between Virginia K-8 teachers' confidence in computer science (CS) teaching and their confidence in technology teaching using a quantitative, nonexperimental, explanatory research design. Two constructs of the Teacher Efficacy and Attitudes Toward STEM Survey (Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, 2012b)…

Computer science impacts our lives every day in a multitude of ways. Despite its ubiquity and power to shape the world, the computer science education community continues to struggle with issues of equity. Problems of access, opportunity, influence and achievement are pervasive and while a handful of scholars have investigated specific approaches…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy skills have become essential to prepare youths for 21st- century needs. Despite the efforts to broaden AI education in K-12 classrooms, teaching AI concepts is mostly limited to Computer Science classrooms. Nonetheless, approximately half of U.S. high school students cannot access any Computer Science classes.…

The purpose of this qualitative case study research is to understand the professional development needed for elementary school (Grades K-6) educators to effectively teach computer science as part of the Computer Science for All initiative. Two research statements guided this study: Professional development training is needed for Florida elementary…

The lack of diversity in the technology workforce in the United States has proven to be a stubborn problem, resisting even the most well-funded reform efforts. With the absence of computer science education in the mainstream K-12 curriculum, only a narrow band of students in public schools go on to careers in technology. The problem persists…

This exploratory case study examined the nature of problem solving in terms of the types of problems posed, instructional approaches and collaborative learning, in first-year and second-year post-secondary computing education. Participants included faculty across three computing programs. Instructional classroom and laboratory observations,…

Undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students are graduating with insufficient communication skills, thereby diminishing their employability and upward socio-economic mobility. The purpose of this action research study was to explore ways of improving the alignment between academic outcomes and employer needs related to…

This dissertation study is about understanding the beliefs of undergraduate computer science (CS) faculty to adapt culturally responsive computing (CRC) pedagogical approach in teaching computer science courses. Using the lenses of critical pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching, and culturally responsive computing, this study explored whether…

This work applies to Computer Science (CS) K12 Education through a user experience and human-centered design and research approach. Due to the increase in use of technology, CS courses are important opportunities for K12 students to explore. In order to support the courses added to K12, in-service teachers lacking CS background are stepping up and…