National Academies Press: OpenBook
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

Cultivating Interest and
Competencies in Computing

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES AND DESIGN FACTORS

Barbara M. Means and Amy Stephens, Editors

Committee on the Role of Authentic STEM Learning Experiences in
Developing Interest and Competencies for Computing

Board on Science Education

Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education

Computer Science and Telecommunications Board

Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences

A Consensus Study Report of

images

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS
Washington, DC
www.nap.edu

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001

This activity was supported by contracts between the National Academy of Sciences and Google (Award # 552112 and Award # 638539) and Grable Foundation (Award # 193D18). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or agency that provided support for the project.

International Standard Book Number-13: 978-0-309-68215-2
International Standard Book Number-10: 0-309-68215-0
Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.17226/25912
Library of Congress Control Number: 2021933324

Additional copies of this publication are available from the National Academies Press, 500 Fifth Street, NW, Keck 360, Washington, DC 20001; (800) 624-6242 or (202) 334-3313; http://www.nap.edu.

Copyright 2021 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

Suggested citation: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2021). Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25912.

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

Image

The National Academy of Sciences was established in 1863 by an Act of Congress, signed by President Lincoln, as a private, nongovernmental institution to advise the nation on issues related to science and technology. Members are elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to research. Dr. Marcia McNutt is president.

The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to bring the practices of engineering to advising the nation. Members are elected by their peers for extraordinary contributions to engineering. Dr. John L. Anderson is president.

The National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) was established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences to advise the nation on medical and health issues. Members are elected by their peers for distinguished contributions to medicine and health. Dr. Victor J. Dzau is president.

The three Academies work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.

Learn more about the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at www.nationalacademies.org.

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

Image

Consensus Study Reports published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine document the evidence-based consensus on the study’s statement of task by an authoring committee of experts. Reports typically include findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on information gathered by the committee and the committee’s deliberations. Each report has been subjected to a rigorous and independent peer-review process and it represents the position of the National Academies on the statement of task.

Proceedings published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine chronicle the presentations and discussions at a workshop, symposium, or other event convened by the National Academies. The statements and opinions contained in proceedings are those of the participants and are not endorsed by other participants, the planning committee, or the National Academies.

For information about other products and activities of the National Academies, please visit www.nationalacademies.org/about/whatwedo.

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

COMMITTEE ON THE ROLE OF AUTHENTIC STEM LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN DEVELOPING INTEREST AND COMPETENCIES FOR COMPUTING

Barbara M. Means (Chair), Digital Promise, San Mateo, CA

Karen Brennan, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Stephanie Chang, Maker Ed, Berkeley, CA

Shaundra B. Daily, Duke University, Durham, NC

Cheri Fancsali, Research Alliance for New York Schools

Juan E. Gilbert, University of Florida, Gainesville

Joanna Goode, University of Oregon, Eugene

Mark Guzdial, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Mizuko Ito, University of California, Irvine

Leah H. Jamieson, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Eric Klopfer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Irene Lee, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Victor Lee, Stanford University

Rebecca Maynard, University of Pennsylvania

Daniel A. Rabuzzi, Indigo Pheasant, LLC, New York, NY

Mega Subramaniam, University of Maryland, College Park

Amy Stephens, Study Director, Board on Science Education

Kerry Brenner, Senior Program Officer, Board on Science Education

Emily Grumbling, Program Officer, Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (until August 2019)

Judith Koenig, Senior Program Officer, Committee on National Statistics (starting February 2020)

Leticia Garcilazo Green, Research Associate, Board on Science Education

Clair Geary, Mirzayan Fellow (January through April 2020)

Jon Eisenberg, Director, Computer Science and Telecommunications Board

Heidi Schweingruber, Director, Board on Science Education

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

BOARD ON SCIENCE EDUCATION

Adam Gamoran (Chair), William T. Grant Foundation (president), New York, NY

Megan Bang, Learning Sciences, Northwestern University

Vicki L. Chandler, Dean of Faculty, Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute

Sunita V. Cooke, Superintendent/President, MiraCosta College

Maya M. Garcia, Science Content Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Rush Holt, former Chief Executive Officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Cathy Manduca, Science Education Resource Center, Carleton College

John Mather, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Tonya Matthews, STEM Learning Innovation, Wayne State University

William Penuel, School of Education, University of Colorado Boulder

Stephen L. Pruitt, President, Southern Regional Education Board

K. Renae Pullen, K–6 Science Curriculum-Instructional Specialist, Caddo Parish Schools, LA

K. Ann Renninger, Social Theory and Social Action, Swarthmore College

Marcy H. Towns, Department of Chemistry, Purdue University

Heidi Schweingruber, Director

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD

Farnam Jahanian (Chair), Carnegie Mellon University

Steven M. Bellovin, Columbia University

David Culler, University of California, Berkeley

Edward Frank, Cloud Parity, Inc.

Laura Haas, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Eric Horvitz, Microsoft Corporation

Beth Mynatt, Georgia Institute of Technology

Craig Partridge, Colorado State University

Daniela Rus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Fred B. Schneider, Cornell University

Margo Seltzer, University of British Columbia

Moshe Vardi, Rice University

Jon Eisenberg, Director

Page viii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

This page intentionally left blank.

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

Preface

In a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies, the size and composition of the workforce in computer science and computing-intensive fields is of great importance on grounds of both economic competitiveness and social justice. Computing fields are projected to grow in terms of number of job openings and are among the best-paid occupations. Failing to provide opportunities for all young people to discover these fields and to develop expertise in them if they so choose means limiting the size of our computing workforce and missing out on the creative contributions of individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives. It also reinforces existing income inequalities and stereotypes. And beyond concern with the computing workforce, there is the realization that full and effective participation in social, civic, learning, and financial aspects of life today requires everyone to have a basic understanding of computing. If this imperative was not obvious before the COVID-19 pandemic, the months when students could participate in schooling only through the Internet have provided ample proof.

The question addressed by this consensus study is whether authentic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning activities can provide an entree to the development of interest and competencies in computing. Broadening participation of groups historically underrepresented in computing fields—students of color, women, and those from low-income backgrounds—was emphasized in the charge to the committee and in the committee’s deliberations over a period of 15 months.

This consensus report calls on readers to critically examine the concept of authentic STEM learning experiences. While some have used the phrase to denote certain pedagogies involving inquiry or project- or problem-

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

based learning, the committee asked the question “Authentic to whom?” In dealing with authenticity both from the perspective of authenticity to the profession as it is practiced today and from the perspective of authenticity to the learner, the committee brought together empirical findings from different research traditions and weighed the evidence on the importance of both kinds of authenticity. The committee found that programs and learning experiences stressing professional authenticity may be uninteresting and unwelcoming in the eyes of learners from groups underrepresented in STEM. Programs and learning experiences designed to reflect the interests and cultures of particular underrepresented groups, on the other hand, may engage these learners but impart few of the skills and competencies used in computing-intensive professions. The committee concluded that personal and professional authenticity do not need to be in opposition to each other, and that learning experiences can and should be designed to embody both forms of authenticity.

This report was written with multiple audiences in mind. Researchers studying computational thinking, the acquisition of computer science knowledge and skills, or participation in computer science and related fields will find a conceptual framing of the development of computing expertise and engagement as well as a summary of the available evidence for the effectiveness of different kinds of programs.

Policy makers and funders will find recommendations as to the kinds of efforts that are intense enough and of sufficient duration to plausibly influence the course of a young person’s life.

Those designing programs and learning activities to foster interest and competencies in computing will find descriptions of a wide array of existing programs, a summary of available evidence on their impacts, and a set of design principles they can use in designing and implementing new programs and activities.

This consensus study would not have been possible without the sponsorship of Google and the Grable Foundation. These organizations worked with the Board on Science Education of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in collaboration with the Computer Science and Telecommunication Board to develop the charge to the study committee, but were not involved in shaping the way in which the committee went about its work or in influencing committee findings and recommendations.

Soon after the committee’s fourth meeting in February 2020, the world changed with the spread of COVID-19. Two virtual meetings replaced the committee’s planned fifth in-person meeting, and both committee members and National Academies staff performed the necessary integration of the different themes in this report while working from home.

Members of the National Academies staff played significant roles in production and refinement of this report. Throughout the process, I was

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

grateful for the tireless work of Amy Stephens, the National Academies study director, who integrated and aligned the written contributions of committee members as well as keeping the committee’s work organized and on schedule. Heidi Schweingruber, director of the Board on Science Education, and Kerry Brenner, senior program officer, participated in committee meetings, sharing their insights and making the committee aware of other, related work going on within the Academies.

Most importantly, I want to express my gratitude for the wisdom, open-mindedness, and hard work of the committee members themselves. Having served on a number of National Academies committees in the past, I can say with confidence that these members were outstanding in their commitment to making a significant contribution with their report and in their willingness to seek out information sources that were new to them, challenge each other’s assumptions, and write and rewrite as the committee’s thinking evolved over time.

In the end, the committee found support that personally and professionally authentic STEM learning experiences, when well implemented, can increase participants’ knowledge, skills, and participation in STEM. Evidence regarding the impacts of specific programs or practices specifically for computing knowledge, skills, and participation was sparse, however, and judged to be suggestive rather than definitive. Nevertheless, the committee’s examination of the range of in-school and out-of-school contexts in which children and young people encounter computing and computational thinking enabled it to identify conditions and practices associated with greater professional and personal authenticity.

I know I speak for the entire committee in expressing my excitement about the potential for multiple formal and informal education institutions to work together to broaden access and incorporate the authentic assets that underrepresented youth can bring to computing. By leveraging the contrasting strengths of different organizations within a coordinated, developmental and ecological approach to designing and implementing authentic learning experiences in computing, communities can make a difference in the opportunities available to their young people.

Barbara M. Means, Chair
Committee on the Role of Authentic STEM Learning Experiences in Developing Interest and Competencies for Computing

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

This page intentionally left blank.

Page xiii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

Acknowledgments

This report would not have been possible without the many individuals who provided their expertise, including those who served on the committee as well as those who participated in discussions with the committee. We recognize their invaluable contributions to our work. The first thanks are to the committee members, for their passion, deep knowledge, and contributions to the study.

This report was made possible by the important contributions of Google and the Grable Foundation; in particular Jen Phillips (Head of Program Management, Open Source Programs Office) and Calvin Johnson (Program Manager, Open Source) at Google and Gregg Behr (Executive Director) at The Grable Foundation.

Members of the committee benefited from discussion and presentation by many individuals who participated in our fact-finding meetings.

  • At the first meeting, we had the opportunity to talk with our contacts at Google, Jen Philips and Calvin Johnson, to get further clarity on the statement of task. We also heard from Kamau Bobb (Georgia Institute of Technology), Carrie Tzou (University of Washington Bothell), and Sepehr Vakil (Northwestern University) who spoke to considerations around equitable access to authentic STEM learning opportunities.
  • At the second meeting, the following topics were explored:
    • Robotics Competitions and Engineering Programs: Reaching Diverse Populations. Presenters included Alan Melchoir (Brandeis University) and AnnMarie Thomas (University of St. Thomas).
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
    • Hobbies, STEM Outcomes, and Implications for Computing and Technology. Presenters included Gail Jones (North Carolina State University) and Flávio Azevedo (University of Texas at Austin).
  • The third meeting included a workshop featuring three panels followed by open discussion:
    • Panel 1 discussed Authentic STEM Activities for Computing and Technology—Defining “Authentic,” including Tamara Clegg (University of Maryland), Ron Eglash (University of Michigan), Emmanuel Schanzer (Bootstrap), and Shirin Vossoughi (Northwestern University).
    • Panel 2 described Authentic STEM Outcomes for Computing and Technology. Panelists included Jill Denner (ETR), Sonia Koshy (Kapor Center), Keliann LaConte (Space Science Institute), Jean Ryoo (University of California, Los Angeles), and David Weintrop (University of Maryland).
    • Panel 3 focused on Designing and Implementing Hands-on STEM Learning Experiences—Implications for Computing and Technology, including Lisa Brahms (Monshire Museum of Science), Loretta Cheeks (Strong TIES), Amon Millner (Olin College), and Kylie Peppler (University of California, Irvine).

The committee is very grateful for additional discussions with experts to include Kate Aubin (Teen Educator) and Karisa Tashjian (Director of Education) at the Providence Public Library, Juan Rubio (Digital Media and Learning Program Manager) at the Seattle Public Library, and Claudia Haines (Youth Services Librarian) at the Homer Public Library in Alaska. We would also like to thank the students who spoke to members of the committee to share their experiences with computing to inform the cases used in this report.

This Consensus Study Report has been reviewed in draft form by individuals chosen for their diverse perspectives and technical expertise. The purpose of this independent review is to provide candid and critical comments that will assist the institution in making its published report as sound as possible and to ensure that the report meets institutional standards for objectivity, evidence, and responsiveness to the study charge. The review comments and draft manuscript remain confidential to protect the integrity of the deliberative process. We thank the following individuals for their review of this report: Jan Cuny, Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University; Colleen Lewis, Department of Computer Science, Harvey Mudd College; Amon Millner, Computing and Innovation, Olin College of Engineering; Kylie Peppler, Informatics and Education, University of California, Irvine; Nichole Pinkard, Learning Sciences, Northwestern

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

University; Emmanuel Schanzer, Office of the Co-Director, Boostrap; Steve A. Schneider, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, WestEd; and Brett Wortzman, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington.

Although the reviewers listed above provided many constructive comments and suggestions, they were not asked to endorse the content of the report nor did they see the final draft of the report before its release. The review of this report was overseen by Marcia C. Linn, Graduate School of Education, University of California, Berkeley, and Edward D. Lazowska, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington. They were responsible for making certain that an independent examination of this report was carried out in accordance with institutional procedures and that all review comments were carefully considered. Responsibility for the final content of this report rests entirely with the authoring committee and the institution.

Thanks are also due to the project staff. Amy Stephens, senior program officer for the Board on Science Education directed the study and played a key role in the report drafting and review process. Kerry Brenner (senior program officer for the Board on Science Education) and Judith Koenig (senior program officer for the Committee on National Statistics) provided critical assistance in project direction, organizing the report, and revising the writing. Emily Grumbling (program officer for the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board) helped early on in the study process, in particular with thinking through setting up the committee. We also thank Clair Geary (Christine Mirzayan science and technology policy fellow) who assisted with information gathering during the report writing process. Leticia Garcilazo Green, research associate with the Board on Science Education, managed the study’s logistical and administrative needs. Jon Eisenberg (director of the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board) and Heidi Schweingruber (director of the Board on Science Education) provided thoughtful advice and many helpful suggestions throughout the entire study.

Staff of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education also provided help: Laura Elisabeth Yoder substantially improved the readability of the report; Kirsten Sampson Snyder expertly guided the report through the report review process; and Yvonne Wise masterfully guided the report through production. The committee also wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Rebecca Morgan in the National Academies Research Center for her assistance with helping to identify potential committee members and conducting literature searches.

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×

This page intentionally left blank.

Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R1
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R2
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R3
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R4
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R5
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R6
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R7
Page viii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R8
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R9
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R10
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R11
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R12
Page xiii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R13
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R14
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R15
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R16
Page xvii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R17
Page xviii Cite
Suggested Citation:"Front Matter." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25912.
×
Page R18
Next: Summary »
Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing: Authentic Experiences and Design Factors Get This Book
×
Buy Paperback | $55.00 Buy Ebook | $44.99
MyNAP members save 10% online.
Login or Register to save!
Download Free PDF

Computing in some form touches nearly every aspect of day to day life and is reflected in the ubiquitous use of cell phones, the expansion of automation into many industries, and the vast amounts of data that are routinely gathered about people's health, education, and buying habits. Computing is now a part of nearly every occupation, not only those in the technology industry. Given the ubiquity of computing in both personal and professional life, there are increasing calls for all learners to participate in learning experiences related to computing including more formal experiences offered in schools, opportunities in youth development programs and after-school clubs, or self-initiated hands-on experiences at home. At the same time, the lack of diversity in the computing workforce and in programs that engage learners in computing is well-documented.

It is important to consider how to increase access and design experiences for a wide range of learners. Authentic experiences in STEM - that is, experiences that reflect professional practice and also connect learners to real-world problems that they care about - are one possible approach for reaching a broader range of learners. These experiences can be designed for learners of all ages and implemented in a wide range of settings. However, the role they play in developing youths' interests, capacities, and productive learning identities for computing is unclear. There is a need to better understand the role of authentic STEM experiences in supporting the development of interests, competencies, and skills related to computing.

Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing examines the evidence on learning and teaching using authentic, open-ended pedagogical approaches and learning experiences for children and youth in grades K-12 in both formal and informal settings. This report gives particular attention to approaches and experiences that promote the success of children and youth from groups that are typically underrepresented in computing fields. Cultivating Interest and Competencies in Computing provides guidance for educators and facilitators, program designers, and other key stakeholders on how to support learners as they engage in authentic learning experiences.

  1. ×

    Welcome to OpenBook!

    You're looking at OpenBook, NAP.edu's online reading room since 1999. Based on feedback from you, our users, we've made some improvements that make it easier than ever to read thousands of publications on our website.

    Do you want to take a quick tour of the OpenBook's features?

    No Thanks Take a Tour »
  2. ×

    Show this book's table of contents, where you can jump to any chapter by name.

    « Back Next »
  3. ×

    ...or use these buttons to go back to the previous chapter or skip to the next one.

    « Back Next »
  4. ×

    Jump up to the previous page or down to the next one. Also, you can type in a page number and press Enter to go directly to that page in the book.

    « Back Next »
  5. ×

    Switch between the Original Pages, where you can read the report as it appeared in print, and Text Pages for the web version, where you can highlight and search the text.

    « Back Next »
  6. ×

    To search the entire text of this book, type in your search term here and press Enter.

    « Back Next »
  7. ×

    Share a link to this book page on your preferred social network or via email.

    « Back Next »
  8. ×

    View our suggested citation for this chapter.

    « Back Next »
  9. ×

    Ready to take your reading offline? Click here to buy this book in print or download it as a free PDF, if available.

    « Back Next »
Stay Connected!