Teachers' Perception and Experiences of Computer Science Education in K-8 Schools

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

Abstract

Supported by a state grant, our team of researchers (consisting of both Computer Science faculty and Teacher Education faculty) is offering a series of Professional Development sessions to K-8 teachers. These Professional Development (or PD) sessions are meant to help K-8 teachers develop their understanding of core computing concepts (such as algorithms, programming, data analysis, and networks) and thereby develop strong computer science programs for their students. In order to offer effective and meaningful Professional Development (PD) sessions, our research team first intended to understand the perceptions and experiences of K-8 teachers about Computer Science (CS) and Computational Thinking (CT) education. This paper presents the results of a K-8 teacher survey that we conducted as a pre-cursor to our PD series. The results of this survey provided valuable insights about elementary and middle-school teachers' perceptions of computer science education, self-perception of their ability to teach and learn CS, and understanding of CS discipline and those who typically engage in CS activities. The impact of teachers' perceptions impact how leaders in education and the CS industry can meet the needs of teachers, who in turn can meet the growing demand of CS education in K-8 schools.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2023 Intermountain Engineering, Technology and Computing, IETC 2023
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages226-231
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9798350335903
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
Event2023 Annual Intermountain Engineering, Technology and Computing, IETC 2023 - Provo, United States
Duration: 12 May 202313 May 2023

Publication series

Name2023 Intermountain Engineering, Technology and Computing, IETC 2023

Conference

Conference2023 Annual Intermountain Engineering, Technology and Computing, IETC 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityProvo
Period12/05/2313/05/23

Keywords

  • K-8 teaching
  • computer science education
  • professional development
  • survey

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