Examining Science and Engineering Students Attitudes Toward Computer Science
|
|
- Jesse Goodman
- 8 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Examining Science and Engineering Students Attitudes Toward Computer Science Abstract Concerns have been raised with respect to the recent decline in enrollment in undergraduate computer science majors. Women are one subpopulation that is severely underrepresented. To better understand the factors that discourage students, both males and females, from pursuing degrees in computer science, a valid and reliable survey is needed. This type of instrument would support the quantitative tracking of attitudinal changes with respect to the field overtime as well as attitudinal comparisons across various subpopulations. This paper describes a survey which is being developed based on current research in computer science education at the Colorado School of Mines through support of the National Science Foundation. Based on the results of a factor analysis and with respect to the pilot population (Colorado School of Mines undergraduate students), there is evidence to support the assertion that this instrument is accurately measuring the five constructs that it was designed to assess. Index Terms Assessment, Attitudes Survey, Computer Science, First Year Students INTRODUCTION During an era of technological and scientific advancement in the United States, students are increasingly selecting not to major in computer science at the undergraduate level [1]. The origins of this decline dates back to the collapse of many dotcom businesses [2] which occurred between 2000 and Failure to prepare more students in computer science is expected to have lasting repercussions on the U.S. [3]. In order to maintain an international competitive edge, more students need to be trained in this field. Women, as a subpopulation, are severely underrepresented in the field of computer science. The failure of computer science to attract and retain women has been a long standing problem and existed prior to the recent challenges in dotcom businesses. For example, in 1995 only 28% of awarded computer science bachelor s degrees throughout the nation were awarded to women [4] and this percentage remained approximately constant until 2001 [5]. Despite many efforts to increase the participation of women in this field, by 2006, it had decreased to 21% of awarded bachelor degrees [5]. Research [6] in computer science education has provided insight into the problems that need to be overcome to increase the participation of our nation s students in computer science, especially women. Many students lack Andrew Hoegh, Barbara M. Moskal Colorado School of Mines, bmoskal@mines.edu confidence in their abilities to learn computer science concepts and this has been found to be especially true for women [6, 7]. Furthermore, computer science is often perceived as a field that is more appropriate for males than it is for females, discouraging female participation [6, 8]. The vast array of applications of computer science to many career paths is also unknown to many students [6]. In other words, students may not recognize that computer science skills are both necessary and useful. Another factor that discourages student participation is the belief that computer scientists are geeks or nerds who select to interact with computers rather than people [9]. In combination, these incorrect perceptions of computer science as a field have little appeal to either men or women. The purpose of this research is to develop a valid and reliable survey that measures the prevalence of these beliefs in a college student population who are enrolled at a school of science and engineering. There have been prior efforts to develop surveys in computer science that address the issues described here. For example, Wieb, Williams, Yang and Miller [10] created a survey that seeks to measure many of these same issues. Their instrument was based on one which was originally designed to measure students attitudes in mathematics [11]. A major assumption of their work is that the same factors that discourage participation in mathematics also discourage participation in computer science; no evidence is presented by these authors to support the accuracy of this assumption. Other instruments [12] have also been developed to examine students attitudes with respect to computer science once students have enrolled in a computer science course. These instruments are limited in that a major obstacle is getting students to enroll in that first computer science experience. RESEARCH FOCUS The focus of this research is the development and validation of a survey that measures undergraduate student perceptions of computer science as a field of study in a school of science and engineering. This instrument was developed based on a literature review of students perceptions of computer science as a field of study. The target population is college students who are enrolled in a school of science and engineering but who are not currently pursuing a degree in computer science. Using prior research and expert review, the following five constructs were identified as areas of interest: 1. students confidence in their own ability to learn computer science skills; W1G-1
2 2. students perceptions of computer science as a male field; 3. students beliefs in the usefulness of learning computer science; 4. students interests in computer science; and 5. students beliefs about professionals in computer science. As part of this investigation, an attitude survey has been developed that includes a subset of questions that address each of the constructs described above. This survey was administered to first year college students attending the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), a school primarily of science and engineering. This paper reports the results of a factor analysis which was completed on that data. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), DUE The opinions expressed here are that of the authors and do not necessarily reflect that of the NSF. METHODS Participants Data was collected during the spring semester of 2007 in a freshman level course, Calculus for Scientists and Engineers II. This course was selected because it is part of the first year required mathematics course for all students at CSM and students typically complete this course before selecting a major. Therefore, the students in this course should be representative of first year students across the institution. A total of 276 students signed the consent forms and agreed to participate in this investigation. These students primarily represent future majors in science and engineering because this is the population that CSM serves. Instrument Development Based on prior research in computer science education, the following five constructs were identified as the focus of this survey: Confidence Construct (C): students confidence in their own ability to learn computer science skills; Interest Construct (I): students interests in computer science; Gender Construct (G): students perceptions of computer science as a male field; Usefulness Construct (U): students beliefs in the usefulness of learning computer science; and Professional Construct (P): students beliefs about professionals in computer science. A team of investigators, that included experts in computer science education and assessment, generated a list of survey questions designed to measure each construct. The goal was to generate five questions that were positively phrased and five that were negatively phrased for each construct. These questions were then administered to three computer science novices (individuals who had no background or training in computer science) and directed to think aloud as they read and responded to each question. The think aloud was used to fine tune the phrasing of the questions and ensure that respondents were interpreting the questions in the intended manner. Next, the instrument was administered to a small sample of students in Probability and Statistics for Engineers. Probability and Statistics for Engineers is a junior level course which is required for the majority of science and engineering majors at CSM. This course was selected due to convenience. One of the investigators was coordinating the efforts of the instructors and graduate students that were teaching the various sections of this course, allowing for ease of access. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and to determine whether the questions appeared to be measuring the intended constructs; further refinements were made to the instrument based on these results. Current Instrument The administered version of the resultant survey is contained in Figure 1. Although the questions were administered in random order, the questions in Figure 1 are organized according to the construct that they were designed to examine. Questions were designed using a four point Likert scale with students responding to each question by selecting from the following options: strongly disagree, disagree, agree, and strongly agree. A neutral category was not included in order to encourage respondents to make a positive or negative decision. The survey also included a set of demographic questions concerning, gender, age, ethnicity, college major and undergraduate level. Analysis For analysis purposes, the selected response questions were re-coded to a numerical scale which ranged from 1 to 4. Negatively phrased questions were reversed coded such that a high score always reflected a positive attitude. A Cronbach s alpha was used to examine the reliability of the proposed questions within each construct. Examination of the reliability, however, does not establish the validity of the questions. Although a high Cronbach s alpha supports that a set of questions measure the same construct, it does not suggest the nature of that construct. A general rule of thumb is that Cronbach values of 0.7 or higher indicates an acceptable level of reliability [13]. The next step in the analysis process was the completion of a factor analysis. A factor analysis is a data reduction technique that takes a collection of observed random variables and groups them into common factors. The factor loadings reflect the strength of the association of the particular variable, or in this case a particular question, has with respect to the given factor. It is possible for variables to load highly on multiple factors or not load highly on any W1G-2
3 Confidence construct (C): C1. I am comfortable with learning computing concepts. C2. I have little self-confidence when it comes to computing courses. C3. I do not think that I can learn to understand computing concepts. C4. I can learn to understand computing concepts. C5. I have a lot of self-confidence when it comes to computing courses. C6. I can achieve good grades (C or better) in computing courses. C7. I am confident that I can solve problems by using computer applications. C8. I am uncertain that I can achieve good grades (C or better) in computing courses. C9. I am not comfortable with learning computing concepts. C10. I doubt that I can solve problems by using computer applications. Interest construct (I): I1. I would not take additional computer science courses if I were given the opportunity. I2. I think computer science is boring. I3. I hope that my future career will require the use of computer science concepts. I4. The challenge of solving problems using computer science does not appeal to me. I5. I like to use computer science to solve problems. I6. I do not like using computer science to solve problems. I7. The challenge of solving problems using computer science appeals to me. I8. I hope that I can find a career that does not require the use of computer science concepts. I9. I think computer science is interesting. I10. I would voluntarily take additional computer science courses if I were given the opportunity. Gender construct (G): G1. I doubt that a woman could excel in computing courses. G2. Men are more capable than women at solving computing problems. G3. Computing is an appropriate subject for both men and women to study. G4. It is not appropriate for men to study computing. G5. Women are more capable than men at solving computing problems. G6. Women are more likely to excel in careers that involve computing than men are. G7. Women produce higher quality work in computing than men. G8. Women and men can both excel in careers that involve computing. G9. I doubt that a man could excel in computing courses. G10. It is not appropriate for women to study computing. G11. Men produce higher quality work in computing than women. G12. Men are more likely to excel in careers that involve computing than women are. G13. Women produce the same quality work in computing as men. G14. Men and women are equally capable of solving computing problems. G15. Men and women can both excel in computing courses. Usefulness construct (U): U1. Developing computing skills will not play a role in helping me achieve my career goals. U2. Knowledge of computing will allow me to secure a good job. U3. I use computing skills in my daily life. U4. My career goals do not require that I learn computing skills. U5. Developing computing skills will be important to my career goals. U6. Knowledge of computing skills will not help me secure a good job. U7. I do not use computing skills in my daily life. U8. I expect that learning to use computing skills will help me achieve my career goals. Professional construct (P): P1. Doing well in computer science does not require a student to spend most of his/her time at a computer. P2. A student who performs well in computer science will probably not have a life outside of computers. P3. To do well in computer science, a student must spend most of his/her time at a computer. P4. A student who performs well in computer science is likely to have a life outside of computers. P5. Being good at computer science is a negative quality. P6. Students who are skilled at computer science are less popular than other students. P7. Being good at computer science is a positive quality. P8. Students who are skilled at computer science are just as popular as other students. P9. Students who are skilled at computer science are more popular than other students. Note: Strike through indicates questions that were removed based on the results of the statistical analysis. FIGURE 1 CONSTRUCTS AND SURVEY QUESTIONS W1G-3
4 factors. The desire in the validation of a survey instrument is that all of the questions designed to measure a given construct will group into the factor that represents that construct. Factor analysis is used here to identify questions that are not measuring the intended construct. A generally accepted threshold for a load in a factor analysis is 0.4 [14]. RESULTS Cronbach s Alpha Table I summarizes the results of the calculation of the Cronbach s Alpha for each of the constructs. As this table indicates, the questions for the first four constructs each had an original Cronbach s alpha which was greater than Therefore, no adjustments were made to the questions associated with the first four constructs based on this analysis. In the Professional construct, however, the original alpha fell below the accepted cut-off of Questions were systematically removed from the analysis and their impact was examined on the resultant alpha level. Removal of question P9 resulted in an acceptable alpha level of Based on this analysis, only one adjustment was made to the instrument and this was the removal of question P9. TABLE I CRONBACH S ALPHA FOR EACH CONSTRUCT Construct n Original Α Questions Removed Adjusted Α Confidence (C) Interest (I) Gender (G) Usefulness (U) Professional (P) P Factor Analysis The next analysis was the completion of a factor analysis on the questions that remained on the instrument after completing the Cronbach s alpha analysis. In other words, the factor analysis was completed on the student data with P9 removed. The purpose of the factor analysis was to determine, based on students responses, whether the questions grouped into the five intended constructs. Based on an exploratory factor analysis with the five prior factors, it was determined that the data contained more than five factors. Analysis within each construct indicated that the gender factor was measuring two constructs and the two groupings are displayed in Table II. A qualitative examination of questions indicated that Factor A s questions were measuring the desired information while Factor B s questions were measuring an unintended construct. The questions that comprised Factor B appeared to be measuring whether women are superior to men in computer science rather than students perceptions of computer science as a male field. The questions that grouped into Factor B were removed from the survey. After removing Factor B from the Gender Construct, the factor analysis suggests that five factors are appropriate for the data. The loading for each factor in the analysis are displayed in Table III. Loadings under 0.2 are considered irrelevant and are suppressed by the software package; in this case computations were completed using R. Based on this analysis, some of the questions failed to meet the accepted load threshold of 0.4 and therefore, were also removed from the survey. The questions that were removed were C8, U7, P1, P3, and P7. Other questions were removed because they loaded on unintended constructs. Questions C5, U3, and P5 were removed because their load indicated that they measured a different, unintended construct. The final instrument contains eight, ten, ten, six and four questions that address the following constructs, Confidence, Interest, Gender, Usefulness, and Professional, respectively. These questions are displayed in Figure 1 without a strike through. CONCLUSIONS This paper reports on the initial research efforts that have been used in the development and validation of a computer science attitude survey. Using the current literature in computer science education, five constructs were identified as the survey s targets. Experts in computer science education and assessment then collaborated in the development of the initial set of questions which were designed to measure the specified constructs. These questions were pilot tested using think aloud protocols with computer science novices and using an analysis of descriptive statistics collected from a convenience sample of students. All of these efforts resulted in revisions to the instrument and to its questions. TABLE II QUESTION LOADINGS WITHIN GENDER CONSTRUCT Question Factor A Factor B G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G W1G-4
5 It should be noted that a factor analysis does not indicate what constructs are being measured, but rather how responses to questions group based on a statistical load. In order to determine the nature of the construct that is being measured, qualitative methods are used. In this analysis, the constructs being measured were defined before questions TABLE III RESULTS OF THE FACTOR ANALYSIS Question Factor 1 (C) Factor 2 (I) Factor 3 (G) Factor 4 (U) Factor 5 (P) C C C C C C6.521 C C8.318 C C I I2.613 I I I5.747 I I7.831 I I9.743 I G1.703 G2.758 G3.475 G G G G G G G U U U3.416 U U U U U P P2.494 P3 P4.441 P P6.667 P P W1G-5
6 were developed by experts in the computer science education and assessment and through a review of the literature. The use of experts and the literature contributes to the evidence base that the sets of questions are likely to measure the intended constructs. Think aloud protocols were used to further confirm that novice respondents were interpreting the questions in the intended manner. The factor analysis was used to examine whether there was consistency in students responses with respect to the sets of questions designed to measure a given construct. The current version of the instrument, including the revisions that resulted from each phase of this process is shown in Figure 1 with the strike through questions removed. As was discussed in this paper, there is statistical evidence that this instrument is reliable and there is qualitative evidence that it is valid. The factor analysis lends further support to our qualitative validation efforts. A great deal of research is currently underway to attract and retain students to the field of computer science [15]- [18]. A major challenge to these efforts is the limited number of assessment tools that are available to support these efforts. If students are to eventually pursue a career in computer science, they first need to have positive attitudes toward computer science. Therefore, an initial step in reversing the decline in computer science majors is likely to be understanding students attitudes toward the field. A goal of this research is to develop and validate an assessment tool that accurately measures students attitudes toward the five identified constructs in the field of computer science. This paper reports the results of these efforts with first year students attending a school of science and engineering. It is our intention to continue this research and examine the appropriateness of this instrument for measuring students attitudes beyond the current institution and academic level. [9] Jepson, A. and Perl, T., Priming the pipeline, SIGCSE Bulletin, Vol. 34, No. 2, 2002, [10] Wiebe, E., Williams, L., Yang, K. & Miller, C., Computer Science Attitude Survey, Technical Report, Department of Computer Science, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, TR , [11] Fennema, E., and Sherman, J.A., Fennema-Sherman mathematics scales, JSAS: Catalog of Selected Documents in Psychology, Vol. 6, No. 31, [12] Palaigeorgiou, G., E., Siozos, P.D., Konstantakis, N.I., and Tsoukalas, I. A., A computer attitudes scale for computer science freshman and its educational implications, Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, Vol. 21, No., 5, 2005, [13] Santos, J. R. Cronbach's Alpha: A tool for assessing the reliability of scales, Journal of Extension [On-line], Vol. 37, No. 2, [14] Op t Eynde, P, and De Corte, E. Students Mathematics-Related Beliefs: Design and Analysis of a Questionnaire, paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL, [15] Carter, L. Why students with an apparent aptitude for computer science don't choose to major in computer science, SIGCSE ACM, New York, NY, 2006, [16] Goode, J., If You Build Teachers, Will Students Come? The Role of Teachers in Broadening Computer Science Learning for Urban Youth, Journal of Educational Computing Research, Vol. 36, No. 1, 2007, pp [17] Mahmoud, Q, H, "Revitalizing Computing Science Education, Computer, Vol. 38, No. 5, 2005, pp. 100, [18] Williams, L., Debunking the Nerd Stereotype with Pair Programming, Computer, Vol. 39, No. 5, 2006, pp REFERENCES: [1] Patterson, D. A., Restoring the popularity of computer science, Communication of the ACM, Vol 48, No. 9, 2005, pp [2] Reges, S., Back to basics in CS1 and CS2. SIGCSE Bulletin, Vol. 38, No. 1, 2006, pp [3] Foster, A. L., Student interest in computer science plummets, The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 27, 2005, pp. A31 A32. [4] National Science Foundation, Table C-4 Bachelor s Degrees, by sex, and field: , Retrieved January 17, 2008, from [5] National Science Foundation, Table C-4 Bachelor s Degrees, by sex and field: 2006, Retrieved March 12, 2010, from [6] Margolis, J. and Fisher, A., Unlocking the Clubhouse: Women in Computing, MIT Press: Cambridge, MA., [4] Gurer, D and Camp, T., An ACM literature review on women in computing, SIGCSE Bulletin, Vol. 34, No. 2, 2002, pp [8] Prey, J. and Treu, K. What do you say?: Open letters to women considering a computer science major, SIGCSE Bulletin, Vol. 34, No. 2, 2002, pp W1G-6
Attitudes Toward Science of Students Enrolled in Introductory Level Science Courses at UW-La Crosse
Attitudes Toward Science of Students Enrolled in Introductory Level Science Courses at UW-La Crosse Dana E. Craker Faculty Sponsor: Abdulaziz Elfessi, Department of Mathematics ABSTRACT Nearly fifty percent
More informationWomen disappearing in Computer Science
39 Women disappearing in Computer Science Ásrún Matthíasdóttir Reykjavik University Ofanleiti 2, 103 Reykjavik Iceland +354 5996200 asrun@ru.is ABSTRACT Every society needs the participation of both genders
More informationOnsite Peer Tutoring in Mathematics Content Courses for Pre-Service Teachers
IUMPST: The Journal. Vol 2 (Pedagogy), February 2011. [www.k-12prep.math.ttu.edu] Onsite Peer Tutoring in Mathematics Content Courses for Pre-Service Teachers Elaine Young Associate Professor of Mathematics
More informationIssues in Information Systems Volume 16, Issue I, pp. 210-218, 2015
EXPLAINING THE GAP BETWEEN ENROLLMENT AND EMPLOYMENT IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SCIENCES William Oliver, Washburn University, william.oliver1@washburn.edu Nathan Purcell, Washburn University, nathan.purcell@washburn.edu
More informationSession T1A How and Why Collaborative Software Development Impacts the Software Engineering Course
How and Why Collaborative Software Development Impacts the Software Engineering Course Lucas Layman 1, Laurie Williams 2, Jason Osborne 3, Sarah Berenson 4, Kelli Slaten 5, and Mladen Vouk 6 Abstract -
More informationEffective Practices at Community Colleges and Four- Year Institutions for Increasing Women in Information Technology (IT) Fields
Effective Practices at Community Colleges and Four- Year Institutions for Increasing Women in Information Technology (IT) Fields Project Results and Overview Problem Statement and Project Goals Colorado
More informationComputer Science and Computer Information Technology Majors Together: Analyzing Factors Impacting Students Success in Introductory Programming
Computer Science and Computer Information Technology Majors Together: Analyzing Factors Impacting Students Success in Introductory Programming Maureen Doyle, Dhanuja Kasturiratna, Bartley D. Richardson,
More informationStudent s Attitude of Accounting as a Profession: Can the Video "Takin' Care of Business" Make a Difference? INTRODUCTION
Student s Attitude of Accounting as a Profession: Can the Video "Takin' Care of Business" Make a Difference? INTRODUCTION Does the AICPA s video Takin' Care of Business market the accounting profession
More informationA Study of Barriers to Women in Undergraduate Computer Science
A Study of Barriers to Women in Undergraduate Computer Science Abstract Greg Scragg & Jesse Smith SUNY Geneseo Dept. of Computer Science Geneseo, NY 14454, USA scragg@cs.geneseo.edu jds97@cs.geneseo.edu
More informationYoung Women and Persistence in Information Technology
Young Women and Persistence in Information Technology Tiffany Barnes Department of Computer Science University of North Carolina at Charlotte 9201 University City Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28223 Phone: 704-687-8577
More informationUsing Classroom Community to Achieve Gender Equity in Online and Face-to-Face Graduate Classes
Advancing Women in Leadership Vol. 31, pp. 213-222, 2011 Available online at http://advancingwomen.com/awl/awl_wordpress/ ISSN 1093-7099 Full Length Research Paper Using Classroom Community to Achieve
More informationDECLINING PATIENT SITUATIONS: A Study with New RN Residents
DECLINING PATIENT SITUATIONS: A Study with New RN Residents RESEARCHERS Patricia Ravert PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN Brigham Young University Provo, UT patricia_ravert@byu.edu Janell Anderson RN, MSN, NEA-BC
More informationStudents beliefs and attitudes about a business school s academic advising process
Students beliefs and attitudes about a business school s academic advising process ABSTRACT M. Wayne Alexander Minnesota State University Moorhead Deborah Kukowski Minnesota State University Moorhead Lee
More informationATTITUDES OF ILLINOIS AGRISCIENCE STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS TOWARD AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
ATTITUDES OF ILLINOIS AGRISCIENCE STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS TOWARD AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS Edward W. Osborne, Professor University of Florida James E. Dyer, Assistant Professor
More informationClassroom communication and interaction are. 15 Clicker Lessons: Assessing and Addressing Student Responses to Audience Response Systems.
85 15 Clicker Lessons: Assessing and Addressing Student Responses to Audience Response Systems Tim Pelton, Leslee Francis Pelton, & Mary Sanseverino University of Victoria This project began in response
More informationHigh School Counselors Influence
High School Counselors Influence Katey O Donnell and Katie Logan Undergraduate Students, Human Development and Family Studies Key Words: College freshmen, school counselors, high school, adequately prepared
More informationImpact of attendance policies on course attendance among college students
Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Vol. 8, No. 3, October 2008. pp. 29-35. Impact of attendance policies on course attendance among college students Tiffany Chenneville 1 and Cary Jordan
More informationRetaining Undergraduate Women in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering.
Retaining Undergraduate Women in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering. "Retaining Undergraduate Women in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering." Journal of College Science Teaching 36.3 (6): 34-38. Academic
More informationHow To Create A Mentorship Program For Women In Computer Science
Faculty Mentorships for Female Participation in Computer Science by Gertrude Levine and Suzanne McIntosh levine@fdu.edu and mcintosh@cs.nyu.edu Introduction The importance of mentorship programs in general
More informationCollege Students Attitudes Toward Methods of Collecting Teaching Evaluations: In-Class Versus On-Line
College Students Attitudes Toward Methods of Collecting Teaching Evaluations: In-Class Versus On-Line CURT J. DOMMEYER PAUL BAUM ROBERT W. HANNA California State University, Northridge Northridge, California
More informationCategories and Subject Descriptors K.3.2 [Computer and Information Science Education]: Computer Science Education, Curricula.
Overcoming Misconceptions About Computer Science With Multimedia Glenn D. Blank, Sally Hiestand and Fang Wei Lehigh University Computer Science and Engineering Department, 19 Packard Lab Bethlehem, PA
More informationExploring the gender gap and students career choices in engineering: Experiences from Turkey
Exploring the gender gap and students career choices in engineering: Experiences from Turkey Bulent Cavas 1, Jale Cakiroglu 2, Hamide Ertepinar 3, Pinar Cavas 4 1 Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir-Turkey 2,3
More informationThe Inventory of Male Friendliness in Nursing Programs (IMFNP)
The Inventory of Male Friendliness in Nursing Programs (IMFNP) Background At the 2001 annual conference of the American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN), a nursing student discussed his educational experiences
More informationBarriers & Incentives to Obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
Southern Adventist Univeristy KnowledgeExchange@Southern Graduate Research Projects Nursing 4-2011 Barriers & Incentives to Obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Tiffany Boring Brianna Burnette
More informationMPA Program Assessment Report Summer 2015
MPA Program Assessment Report Summer 2015 Introduction: This was the second full year for doing learning outcomes assessment based on the 2009 NASPAA accreditation standards and conducting our exit interviews
More informationMath Placement Acceleration Initiative at the City College of San Francisco Developed with San Francisco Unified School District
Youth Data Archive Issue Brief October 2012 Math Placement Acceleration Initiative at the City College of San Francisco Developed with San Francisco Unified School District Betsy Williams Background This
More informationStudent Quality Perceptions and Preferences for MBA Delivery Formats: Implications for Graduate Programs in Business and Economics
International Journal of Economics and Management Sciences Vol. 2, No. 6, 2013, pp. 61-66 MANAGEMENT JOURNALS managementjournals.org Student Quality Perceptions and Preferences for MBA Delivery Formats:
More informationMARKET ANALYSIS OF STUDENT S ATTITUDES ABOUT CREDIT CARDS
9 J.C. Arias, Robert Miller 23 MARKET ANALYSIS OF STUDENT S ATTITUDES ABOUT CREDIT CARDS J.C. Arias (PhD, DBA), Robert Miller Abstract The attitudes of students to the use of credit cards is a complex
More informationWomen Embrace Computing in Mauritius
Women Embrace Computing in Mauritius Joel C. Adams, Ph.D. Department of Computer Science Calvin College Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA adams@calvin.edu Phone: (616) 526-8562 FAX: (616) 526-6501 Shakuntala
More informationIncreasing and Improving K-12 Computer Science Education through Partnerships
2013 Hawaii University International Conferences Education & Technology Math & Engineering Technology June 10 th to June 12 th Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii Increasing and Improving K-12 Computer Science
More informationThe Job Search: An Investigation of College Students Feelings Toward Graduation Plans
The Job Search: An Investigation of College Students Feelings Toward Graduation Plans Elaine Atcheson, Green Bouzard, Ryan Evans, Morgan Harden, Kathryn Southard, and Ryan Trostrud Table of Contents Agreement
More informationStudents Attitudes about Online Master s Degree Programs versus Traditional Programs
Aberasturi, S., & Kongrith, K. (2006). Students attitudes about online master s degree programs versus traditional programs. International Journal of Technology in Teaching and Learning, 2(1), 50-57. Students
More informationFemale Students in High School Physics Results from the 2008-09 Nationwide Survey of High School Physics Teachers
www.aip.org/statistics One Physics Ellipse College Park, MD 20740 301.209.3070 stats@aip.org July 2011 Female Students in High School Physics Results from the 2008-09 Nationwide Survey of High School Physics
More informationAccounting students perceptions on employment opportunities
Accounting students perceptions on employment opportunities ABSTRACT C. Shane Warrick Jackson State University Bobbie Daniels Jackson State University Cathy Scott Jackson State University Understanding
More informationIssues in Information Systems Volume 14, Issue 1, pp.143-152, 2013
WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJORS: RESULTS ON BARRIERS FROM INTERVIEWS AND A SURVEY Skyler J. Bock, Washburn University, skyler.bock@washburn.edu Lindsay J. Taylor, Washburn University, lindsay.taylor1@washburn.edu
More informationA COMPARISON OF COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AN ONLINE IT FOUNDATIONS COURSE
A COMPARISON OF COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AN ONLINE IT FOUNDATIONS COURSE Amy B. Woszczynski Kennesaw State University awoszczy@kennesaw.edu Debra Bass Geist Kennesaw State University dgeist1@students.kennesaw.edu
More informationCombining Engineering and Mathematics in an Urban Middle School Classroom. Abstract
Session T3B1 Combining Engineering and Mathematics in an Urban Middle School Classroom Pete Hylton Mechanical Engineering Technology Department Purdue School of Engineering and Technology Indiana University
More informationSense of Community (SOC) as a Predictor of Adult Learner Persistence in Accelerated Degree Completion Programs (ADCPs)?
Sense of Community (SOC) as a Predictor of Adult Learner Persistence in Accelerated Degree Completion Programs (ADCPs)? Michael O. Minor, EdD mominor1@email.phoenix.edu The University of Phoenix John Sperling
More informationIMAGE OF NURSING PROFESSION AS VIEWED BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ILALA DISTRICT, DAR ES SALAAM
IMAGE OF NURSING PROFESSION AS VIEWED BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ILALA DISTRICT, DAR ES SALAAM BY KIWANUKA ACHILLES, School of Nursing, 2009. ABSTRACT Objectives: The Broad objective: To assess knowledge
More informationAssessing the quality of online courses from the students' perspective
Internet and Higher Education 9 (2006) 107 115 Assessing the quality of online courses from the students' perspective Andria Young, Chari Norgard 1 University of Houston-Victoria, 3007 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria,
More informationDOCUMENT RESUME. **************** at* ***** * * ** *** *** ** * ** *** * **** *** k****** * **** ** ****:. :.:.:.
DOCUMENT RESUME ED 399 877 HE 029 512 AUTHOR Goldberg, Julie L.; Sedlacek, William E. TITLE Graduate Women in Engineering. INSTITUTION Maryland Univ., College Park. Counseling Center. SPONS AGENCY Alfred
More informationLEARNING STYLES IN MATHEMATICS CLASSROOMS
LEARNING STYLES IN MATHEMATICS CLASSROOMS Stephen Keast, Monash University A small rural secondary college in western Victoria, Australia identified the low numbers
More informationGender Differences in Computer Technology Achievement
Gender Differences in Computer Technology Achievement Kimberly V. Hale Abstract This study examined gender differences in computer technology achievement. The setting was a central Georgia middle school.
More informationThe perceptions of business students regarding management information systems (MIS) programs
Abstract The perceptions of business students regarding management information systems (MIS) programs Patrick Hogan Turner College of Business and Computer Science Lei Li Turner College of Business and
More informationA Statewide Survey on Computing Education Pathways and Influences: Factors in Broadening Participation in Computing.
A Statewide Survey on Computing Education Pathways and Influences: Factors in Broadening Participation in Computing. Paper Authors: Mark Guzdial: Georgia Institute of Tech. Barbara Ericson: Georgia Institute
More informationTHE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2017 AND LATER (also see the Math Education web site: www.mathed.soe.vt.
THE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 2017 AND LATER (also see the Math Education web site: www.mathed.soe.vt.edu) 1. INTRODUCTION Mathematics - Education Option (Math-Ed Program).
More informationAssessing Quantitative Reasoning in GE (Owens, Ladwig, and Mills)
Assessing Quantitative Reasoning in GE (Owens, Ladwig, and Mills) Introduction Many students at CSU, Chico, receive much of their college-level mathematics education from the one MATH course they complete
More informationAssessing Girls Interest, Confidence, and Participation in Computing Activities: Results for Globaloria in West Virginia
Assessing Girls Interest, Confidence, and Participation in Computing Activities: Results for Globaloria in West Virginia Zhen Wu, Catherine Ashcraft & Wendy DuBow, National Center for Women & IT Rebecca
More informationBUILDING A THRIVING CS PROGRAM AT A SMALL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE
BUILDING A THRIVING CS PROGRAM AT A SMALL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE Timothy Urness and Eric Manley Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Drake University Des Moines, IA 50311 515 271-2118 timothy.urness@drake.edu,
More informationPERCEPTIONS OF IOWA SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TOWARD AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. Neasa Kalme, Instructor Hamilton, Indiana
PERCEPTIONS OF IOWA SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TOWARD AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION Neasa Kalme, Instructor Hamilton, Indiana James E. Dyer, Assistant Professor University of Missouri Abstract The primary purpose
More informationJean Chen, Assistant Director, Office of Institutional Research University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7106
Educational Technology in Introductory College Physics Teaching and Learning: The Importance of Students Perception and Performance Jean Chen, Assistant Director, Office of Institutional Research University
More informationPair Programming Improves Student Retention, Confidence, and Program Quality
Pair Programming Improves Student Retention, Confidence, and Program Quality Charlie McDowell and Linda Werner Computer Science Department University of California, Santa Cruz {charlie,linda}@cs.ucsc.edu,
More informationLendy Johnson, Graduate Student Elizabeth Wilson, Professor Jim Flowers, Department Head Barry Croom, Professor North Carolina State University
Journal of Agricultural Education Volume 53, Number 4, pp 41 54 DOI: 10.5032/jae.2012.04041 Perceptions of North Carolina High School Agricultural Educators Regarding Students with Special Needs Participating
More informationResearch and Digital Game- based Play: A Review of Martha Madison
Research and Digital Game- based Play: A Review of Martha Madison White Paper Compiled by Anne Snyder, Ph.D. Second Avenue Learning is a certified women- owned business, specializing in the creation of
More informationE-STUDENT RETENTION: FACTORS AFFECTING CUSTOMER LOYALTY FOR ONLINE PROGRAM SUCCESS
E-STUDENT RETENTION: FACTORS AFFECTING CUSTOMER LOYALTY FOR ONLINE PROGRAM SUCCESS Queen E. Booker, Minnesota State University, Mankato, queen.booker@mnsu.edu Carl M. Rebman, Jr., University of San Diego,
More informationA NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION FACULTIES
A NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION FACULTIES Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Cansiz Artvin Çoruh University Education Faculty Artvin - TURKEY mustafacansiz@gmail.com Dr. Nurcan Cansiz Atatürk
More informationMBA Student Attitudes toward International Business
MBA Student Attitudes toward American Women in International Business Survey Project Abstract: Women-owned businesses have been less successful in international trade than their male-owned counterparts
More informationIssues in Information Systems Volume 13, Issue 2, pp. 193-200, 2012
EXPECTED ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE LEARNING: PERCEPTIONS FROM COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT TAKEN ONLINE COURSES Melody W. Alexander, Ball State University, malexander@bsu.edu Allen D. Truell,
More informationUse of Placement Tests in College Classes
By Andrew Morgan This paper was completed and submitted in partial fulfillment of the Master Teacher Program, a 2-year faculty professional development program conducted by the Center for Teaching Excellence,
More informationTHE VALUE AND USEFULNESS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION AS PERCEIVED BY SECONDARY FACS TEACHERS
Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Vol. 18, No. 1, Spring/Summer 2000 THE VALUE AND USEFULNESS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION AS PERCEIVED BY SECONDARY
More informationIMPACT OF INFORMATION LITERACY AND LEARNER CHARACTERISTICS ON LEARNING BEHAVIOR OF JAPANESE STUDENTS IN ONLINE COURSES
International Journal of Case Method Research & Application (2008) XX, 4 2008 WACRA. All rights reserved ISSN 1554-7752 IMPACT OF INFORMATION LITERACY AND LEARNER CHARACTERISTICS ON LEARNING BEHAVIOR OF
More informationIncreasing Participation of Women in Cyber Security
Increasing Participation of Women in Cyber Security David A. Dampier 1, Kimberly Kelly 2, Kendra Carr 3 Abstract Over half of the population in the United States is women, yet less than 20% of the students
More informationDEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY The Department of Sociology offers courses in Sociology (SOC) and two degrees in Sociology, the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology and the graduate degree, the Master
More informationRunning head: THE EFFECTS OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Extra-Curricular Activities 1 Running head: THE EFFECTS OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The Effects of Extra-Curricular Activities on Student s Perceived Academic Self-Efficacy Extra-Curricular Activities
More informationDifferences in Perception of Computer Sciences and Informatics due to Gender and Experience
Differences in Perception of Computer Sciences and Informatics due to Gender and Experience Gabriela Marín Universidad de Costa Rica, Escuela de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, San Pedro, Costa
More informationPerceptions of Information Technology Careers among Women in Career Development Transition
Perceptions of Information Technology Careers among Women in Career Development Transition John Ballard Karen Scales Mary Ann Edwards Many women come to computer science and information technology (IT)
More informationA Study to Examine the Role of Print, Web, and Social Media for Recruiting Students
A Study to Examine the Role of Print, Web, and Social Media for Recruiting Students M. A. Sadowski, J. A. Birchman and B. X. Karcher Department of Computer Graphics Technology Purdue University Abstract
More informationSummary of the Research on the role of ICT related knowledge and women s labour market situation
Summary of the Research on the role of ICT related knowledge and women s labour market situation Comparative anlysis of the situation in the five surveyed countries: Analysis of data about employment shows
More informationSCIENTIST-PRACTITIONER INTEREST CHANGES AND COURSE PERFORMANCE IN AN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH METHODS PSYCHOLOGY COURSE
SCIENTIST-PRACTITIONER INTEREST CHANGES AND COURSE PERFORMANCE IN AN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH METHODS PSYCHOLOGY COURSE Terry F. Pettijohn II & Shujaat F. Ahmed Coastal Carolina University Conway, South
More informationGender Differences in Students' Experiences
Int. J. Engng Ed. Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 361±367, 2007 0949-149X/91 $3.00+0.00 Printed in Great Britain. # 2007 TEMPUS Publications. Gender Differences in Students' Experiences in Computing Education in the
More informationThe Effect of Engineering Major on Spatial Ability Improvements Over the Course of Undergraduate Studies
The Effect of Engineering on Spatial Ability Improvements Over the Course of Undergraduate Studies Richard Onyancha*, Brad Kinsey Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of New Hampshire Durham,
More informationCOLLEGE FRESHMEN AND SENIORS PERCEPTIONS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS ACQUIRED IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
COLLEGE FRESHMEN AND SENIORS PERCEPTIONS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SKILLS ACQUIRED IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE Ronald Heimler, Edward Denaro, Ralph Cartisano, Brian Brachio, Elsa-Sofia Morote Dowling College,
More informationAmerican Journal of Business Education February 2010 Volume 3, Number 2
Gender Differences In Attitudes Toward Computers And Performance In The Accounting Information Systems Class Mary Jane Lenard, Meredith College, USA Susan Wessels, Meredith College, USA Cindi Khanlarian,
More informationMobile Stock Trading (MST) and its Social Impact: A Case Study in Hong Kong
Mobile Stock Trading (MST) and its Social Impact: A Case Study in Hong Kong K. M. Sam 1, C. R. Chatwin 2, I. C. Ma 3 1 Department of Accounting and Information Management, University of Macau, Macau, China
More informationGender, Achievement, and Persistence in an Undergraduate Computer Science Program
Gender, Achievement, and Persistence in an Undergraduate Computer Science Program Sandra Katz University of Pittsburgh David Allbritton DePaul University John Aronis University of Pittsburgh Christine
More informationTeacher Course Evaluations and Student Grades: An Academic Tango
7/16/02 1:38 PM Page 9 Does the interplay of grading policies and teacher-course evaluations undermine our education system? Teacher Course Evaluations and Student s: An Academic Tango Valen E. Johnson
More informationWEPS PEER AND AUTOMATIC ASSESSMENT IN ONLINE MATH COURSES
WEPS PEER AND AUTOMATIC ASSESSMENT IN ONLINE MATH COURSES Olga Caprotti, Johanna Ojalainen, Matti Pauna, and Mika Seppälä Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Helsinki, Finland P.O.
More informationWomen Who Choose Computer Science What Really Matters
May 26, 2014 Women Who Choose Computer Science What Really Matters The Critical Role of Encouragement and Exposure Women Who Choose Abstract Google believes that a diverse workforce leads to better products
More informationPsychology. Administered by the Department of Psychology within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Psychology Dr. Spencer Thompson, Professor, is the Chair of Psychology and Coordinator of Child and Family Studies. After receiving his Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at the University of California,
More informationEXPLORING ATTITUDES AND ACHIEVEMENT OF WEB-BASED HOMEWORK IN DEVELOPMENTAL ALGEBRA
EXPLORING ATTITUDES AND ACHIEVEMENT OF WEB-BASED HOMEWORK IN DEVELOPMENTAL ALGEBRA Kwan Eu Leong Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Malaysia rkleong@um.edu.my Nathan Alexander Columbia University
More informationMCPS Graduates Earning College Degrees in STEM-Related Fields
Graduates Earning College Degrees in -Related Fields September 2012 Natalie Wolanin & Julie Wade OFFICE OF SHARED ACCOUNTABILITY Adrian B. Talley, Associate Superintendent 850 Hungerford Drive Rockville,
More informationWhy are there so few women in the tech industry in Oslo, Norway?
Why are there so few women in the tech industry in Oslo, Norway? I believe that these kinds of networks, such as Oda- Nettverk and others, give a united strength and community feeling, and there is obviously
More informationMODELS FOR TEACHING HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS: A SURVEY OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS PROGRAMS *
MODELS FOR TEACHING HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS: A SURVEY OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS PROGRAMS * Bonnie K. MacKellar Division of Computer Science, Mathematics and Science St. John's University Queens, NY 11439
More informationMETACOGNITIVE AWARENESS OF PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS
METACOGNITIVE AWARENESS OF PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS Emine ŞENDURUR Kocaeli University, Faculty of Education Kocaeli, TURKEY Polat ŞENDURUR Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Education Samsun, TURKEY Neşet
More informationAgriculture Teachers' Attitudes toward Adult Agricultural Education in Ohio Comprehensive High Schools
Agriculture Teachers' Attitudes toward Adult Agricultural Education in Ohio Comprehensive High Schools Yung-Chul Kim, Graduate Student Department of Human and Community Resource Development The Ohio State
More informationThe Role of Community in Online Learning Success
The Role of Community in Online Learning Success William A. Sadera Towson University Towson, MD 21252 USA bsadera@towson.edu James Robertson University of Maryland University College Adelphia, MD USA Liyan
More informationJournal of Student Success and Retention Vol. 2, No. 1, October 2015 THE EFFECTS OF CONDITIONAL RELEASE OF COURSE MATERIALS ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE
THE EFFECTS OF CONDITIONAL RELEASE OF COURSE MATERIALS ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE Lawanna Fisher Middle Tennessee State University lawanna.fisher@mtsu.edu Thomas M. Brinthaupt Middle Tennessee State University
More informationBrand Loyalty in Insurance Companies
Journal of Economic Development, Management, IT, Finance and Marketing, 4(1), 12-26, March 2012 12 Brand Loyalty in Insurance Companies Sancharan Roy, (B.E., MBA) Assistant Professor, St. Joseph's College
More informationWhy Students with an Apparent Aptitude for Computer Science Don t Choose to Major in Computer Science
Why Students with an Apparent Aptitude for Computer Science Don t Choose to Major in Computer Science Lori Carter Point Loma Nazarene University Mathematical, Information and Computer Sciences Dept. San
More informationInternet classes are being seen more and more as
Internet Approach versus Lecture and Lab-Based Approach Blackwell Oxford, TEST Teaching 0141-982X Journal Original XXXXXXXXX 2008 The compilation UK Articles Statistics Publishing Authors Ltd 2008 Teaching
More informationChapter 2. Education and Human Resource Development for Science and Technology
Chapter 2 Education and Human Resource Development for Science and Technology 2.1 Evironment for Basic Human Resource Development... 53 2.1.1 Science education in primary and secondary schools... 53 2.1.2
More informationThe School Psychologist s Role in Response to Intervention (RtI): Factors that influence. RtI implementation. Amanda Yenni and Amie Hartman
The School Psychologist s 1 Running Head: THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST S ROLE IN The School Psychologist s Role in Response to Intervention (RtI): Factors that influence RtI implementation Amanda Yenni and
More informationInstructor and Learner Discourse in MBA and MA Online Programs: Whom Posts more Frequently?
Instructor and Learner Discourse in MBA and MA Online Programs: Whom Posts more Frequently? Peter Kiriakidis Founder and CEO 1387909 ONTARIO INC Ontario, Canada panto@primus.ca Introduction Abstract: This
More informationFACTORS RELATED TO MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE IN MINORITY SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM STUDENTS
FACTORS RELATED TO MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE IN MINORITY SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM STUDENTS Valory N. Pavilk, MEd, Billy B. Rankin, Carlos Vallbona, MD, Robert J. Michael P. Tristan, MD,
More informationA comparison between academic performance of native and transfer students in a quantitative business course
A comparison between academic performance of native and transfer students in a quantitative business course ABSTRACT Tarek Buhagiar University of Central Florida Robert Potter University of Central Florida
More informationWR305, Writing for the Web Usability Test Documents
WR305, Writing for the Web Usability Test Documents Introduction This documents contains the portfolio usability test informed consent form, participant demographic questionnaire, protocols, and surveys
More informationUnlocking the Clubhouse: The Carnegie Mellon Experience
Unlocking the Clubhouse: The Carnegie Mellon Experience Allan Fisher Carnegie Technology Education Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213 USA Jane Margolis Graduate
More informationCLARK UNIVERSITY POLL OF EMERGING ADULTS. Work, Education and Identity
CLARK UNIVERSITY POLL OF EMERGING ADULTS Work, Education and Identity 1 Research Objectives Reflections on education and its impact on the lives of Emerging Adults and their transition into the workplace
More informationAdvanced Placement Environmental Science: Implications of Gender and Ethnicity
1 Advanced Placement Environmental Science: Implications of Gender and Ethnicity Rebecca Penwell Brenau University INTRODUCTION One of the challenges of science attitude research is that many studies have
More informationThe Normative Beliefs about Aggression Scale [NOBAGS] (Oct 1998/Oct 2011)
1 The Normative Beliefs about Aggression Scale [NOBAGS] (Oct 1998/Oct 2011) Copyright 1989 by L.R. Huesmann, N.G. Guerra, L. Miller & A. Zelli University of Illinois at Chicago For information please contact:
More information