Democratizing computer science knowledge: transforming the face of computer science through public high school education

Constructionist Gaming: Understanding the Benefits of Making Games for Learning

“…Two recent studies around game design focused on how active, productive engagement with digital media actually shifts students' attitudes toward computing and opens up the possibility of computing as a career (Repenning, 2013;Ryoo et al, 2013). Likewise, participants in the urban after-school game design program, nearly all of them male African Americans, had increased awareness of higher education and career pathways (K. Clark & Sheridan, 2010).…”

Determining the effects of computer science education at the secondary level on STEM major choices in postsecondary institutions in the United States

“…Second, only 9 states regard computer science courses as one of the core subjects required for a student's graduation credits in either math or science, indicating that computer science courses are classified typically as elective courses in most of the U.S. More startling is the fact that this report showed that the percentage of secondary schools offering computer science courses at both the introductory and Advanced Placement (AP) levels has declined substantially from 2005 to 2009, as shown in Table 1. Thus, fewer students than ever have opportunities to access computer science courses at the secondary level (Ryoo et al, 2013).…”

“…Designing and creating products, such as computer games, robotics, and animation pieces, is an interdisciplinary project between computer science and engineering (Ryoo et al, 2013). As a tool for solving real world problems, scientists often use concepts and applications of computer science (Ryoo et al, 2013). Understanding and using the interconnections between at least two STEM subjects is essential if students are to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary for professional occupations in the 21st century (National Research Council, 2014).…”

“…For example, problem solving based on algorithms is a common concept and application between computer science and math (Ryoo, Margolis, Lee, Sandoval, & Goode, 2013). Designing and creating products, such as computer games, robotics, and animation pieces, is an interdisciplinary project between computer science and engineering (Ryoo et al, 2013). As a tool for solving real world problems, scientists often use concepts and applications of computer science (Ryoo et al, 2013).…”

“…Moreover, a range of principals and applications of computer science are linked strongly to the other STEM disciplines. For example, problem solving based on algorithms is a common concept and application between computer science and math (Ryoo, Margolis, Lee, Sandoval, & Goode, 2013). Designing and creating products, such as computer games, robotics, and animation pieces, is an interdisciplinary project between computer science and engineering (Ryoo et al, 2013).…”