Many students hold incorrect ideas and negative attitudes about computer science (CS). In order to address these difficulties, a series of learning activities called Computer Science Unplugged was developed by Tim Bell and his colleagues. These activities expose young people to central concepts in CS in an entertaining way without requiring a…

Georgia Computes! ("GaComputes") was a six-year (2006-2012) project to improve computing education across the state of Georgia in the United States, funded by the National Science Foundation. The goal of GaComputes was to broaden participation in computing and especially to engage more members of underrepresented groups which includes…

This study examined relationships between students' perceptions of course-related interaction and their course satisfaction within the learner-centered paradigm in distance education. A Students' Perceived Interaction Survey (SPIS) instrument was developed to examine nine separate hypotheses about the nature of course-related interaction. A…

Ahl's questions about computers are investigated to determine if items could be used as scale to measure student beliefs about computers. Based on results of two samples--31 college students majoring in computer science and 109 students taking biology course--a 17-item scale was developed. Eight references are listed. (EJS)

Responses to a recent survey of children's impressions of personal computers are provided. The views about computers in the classroom are thought to clearly show the ease pupils have with such machines in their daily lives. The students quoted are deemed enthusiastic, confident, and creative users. (MP)

In response to recent data from the Department of Education indicating that the number of women earning computer science undergraduate degrees has declined sharply in recent years, a study was conducted to determine gender bias in introductory computer classes. Questionnaires were distributed to students in two classes at Rutgers University and…

The purpose of this study was to investgate the role of self-efficacy expectations in understanding gender differences in the election of college computer science courses. Participants were 368 undergraduate students (males=104, females=264) enrolled in a course fulfilling a general education requirement at a large urban university. A two-page…

Presents results of statewide survey of knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of California sixth- and twelfth-grade students in computer science and computer literacy during 1982-83 school year. Boys displayed higher levels of achievement, more computer exposure at home and school, and more positive attitudes towards the role of computers in the…

Discussion of cultural differences and their effects on how new technology is viewed in developed and developing countries focuses on a study that examined the conceptions of Swedish and Chinese college students concerning computers. The attitudes of psychology students and computer science students are compared, and implications for computer…

Computer skills objectives have been developed for the 1986 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). These items will be administered to a large number of American students aged 9, 13, and 17 in grades 3, 7, and 11. For this first national assessment of computer skills, it was necessary to consider the existing expertise of school…

The IADIS CELDA 2012 Conference intention was to address the main issues concerned with evolving learning processes and supporting pedagogies and applications in the digital age. There had been advances in both cognitive psychology and computing that have affected the educational arena. The convergence of these two disciplines is increasing at a…