ERIC Number: EJ1281806
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0899 3408
EISSN: N/A
Promoting Intentions to Persist in Computing: An Examination of Six Years of the EarSketch Program
Wanzer, Dana Linnell; McKlin, Tom; Freeman, Jason; Magerko, Brian; Lee, Taneisha
Computer Science Education, v30 n4 p394-419 2020
Background and Context: EarSketch was developed as a program to foster persistence in computer science with diverse student populations. Objective: To test the effectiveness of EarSketch in promoting intentions to persist, particularly among female students and under-represented minority students. Method: Meta-analyses, structural equation modeling, multi-level modeling, and qualitative analyses were performed to examine how participation in EarSketch and other factors affect students' intentions to persist in computing. Findings: Students significantly increased their intentions to persist in computing, g = 0.40[0.25,54], but examination within just the five quasi-experimental studies did not result in a significant difference for students in EarSketch compared to students not in EarSketch, g = 0.08[-0.07, 0.23]. Student attitudes towards computing and the perceived authenticity of the EarSketch environment significantly predicted intentions to persist in computing. Implications: Participation in computer science education can increase students' intentions to persist in programming, and EarSketch is one such program that can aid in these intentions.
Descriptors: Intention, Student Participation, Persistence, Computer Science Education, Programming, Musical Composition, Creativity, Program Effectiveness, Learner Engagement, Middle School Students, High School Students, College Students, Disproportionate Representation, Minority Group Students, Females, Web Based Instruction, Authentic Learning, Educational Research, STEM Education
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; High Schools; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Georgia
Grant or Contract Numbers: CNS1138469; DUE1504293; DRL1417835