Drawing a Computer Scientst: Assessing the Images of the Computer Scientist Among K-8 Teachers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Guided by grounded theory and using a drawing task, this study aimed to analyze how education stakeholders, including K-8 teachers and school administrators, perceive and conceptualize the work of computer scientists. Twenty-eight participants completed the draw-a-computer-scientist task and underwent a six-session summer professional development workshop at a major university in New Jersey. The content analysis of the collected drawing data revealed various stereotypical images people hold of computer scientists, especially male computer scientists. The study findings also highlighted that a few participants contemplated the traditional view of a computer scientist and demonstrated their enhanced understanding of the computer science field. Considering the existence of deep-rooted stereotypes regarding the computer science field and computer scientists, this study identified important implications for how well-designed professional development workshops can address the lack of awareness about and broaden the perspectives of the computer science field.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2023 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2023 - Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9798350336429
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
Event53rd IEEE ASEE Frontiers in Education International Conference, FIE 2023 - College Station, United States
Duration: 18 Oct 202321 Oct 2023

Publication series

NameProceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE
ISSN (Print)1539-4565

Conference

Conference53rd IEEE ASEE Frontiers in Education International Conference, FIE 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCollege Station
Period18/10/2321/10/23

Keywords

  • K-8 teachers
  • computer science
  • computer scientist
  • drawing
  • professional development
  • teacher belief

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