extending the pipeline: why k-12 computer science is essential to higher education robb cutler...
TRANSCRIPT
Extending the Pipeline:Why K-12
Computer Scienceis Essential to
Higher Education
Robb CutlerComputer Science Teachers Association
My Background
Introduced to computers in 6th grade C.S. Degree Software Engineer / Architect K-12 Education AP CS and Advanced Topics
Courses
Defining Computer Science
Problem Solving Algorithmic Thinking Systems Analysis Logic Not just programming (though it
plays a big part)
CS is Clearly Important
Technology-oriented world Necessary for success in other
disciplines Basic skills are assumed Advanced skills are often required
(though often not explicitly)
Teaching CS in Kindergarten
Sorting Searching Recursion Boolean Arithmetic Queues Everyone Does It!
Teaching CS in Elementary
Sorting Searching Recursion Boolean Arithmetic Queues Everyone Does It!
Teaching CS in High School
Programming AP Computer Science Almost No One Does It…
– 86,000 AP Physics tests– 87,000 AP Chemistry tests– 132,000 AP Biology tests– 256,000 AP Calculus tests– 20,000 AP Computer Science tests
Where’s the Disconnect?
Other disciplines move to formalize learning along a steady, coherent, well-articulated curricular track
Everyone is required to take English, Math, Science, History – K-12
Why Not CS?
CS is not accessible
Perception as geeky Always sitting in front of a computer Too much work Not fun No long-term reward Not perceived as important
So, Why is This a Problem?
CS enrollments are down– “The percentage of incoming
undergraduates indicating that they would major in CS declined by over 60 percent between the Fall of 2000 and 2004, and is now 70 percent lower than its peak in the early 1980s” (Higher Education Research Institute / UCLA)
So, Why is This a Problem?
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are needed to see this picture.
But There aren’t Any Jobs…
Not true– “Information technology appears as
though it will be a growth area at least for the coming decade, and the U.S. government projects that several IT occupations will be among the fastest growing occupations during this time.” (ACM Report – February, 2006)
But There aren’t Any Jobs…
Offshoring?– Only 2-3% of IT jobs lost annually
through offshoring– “U.S. IT sector's overall growth should
outpace that loss of jobs, expanding opportunities for those trained in fields such as software architecture, product design, project management and IT consulting.” (CNNMoney.com citing ACM Report – February, 2006)
How Can K-12 Help?
Pipeline begins early (even Kindergarten!)
Increase interest by underrepresented populations
Better prepared students in CS enhance your programs
Recognition of CS as an essential discipline
Understanding K-12 Issues
Class sizes Teaching periods per day Vastly different learning levels Students often not engaged One person department CS vs. Technology Battle for funding NCLB Feeling of disconnect with higher ed.
Working Together - CSTA
Membership and advocacy organization representing K-12 computer science
In development since 2000 with ACM K-12 Education Task Force and first CS&IT Symposium
Model Curriculum for K-12 CS Education in 2003
CSTA launched in 2005
Working Together - CSTA
4000+ members Professional development
– JETT / TECS / CS&IT Symposia Development of resources Support for national curriculum and
teacher standards Research into K-12 CS education
Working Together
Help us help you with pipeline issues K-12 teachers need your support to
help keep their knowledge and skills current
Your research can inform our work Improving K-12 CS education gives
you better (and more) students Improved communication helps
everyone
Challenges
Join CSTA: http://csta.acm.org Become involved in K-12 CS in your local
area– Understand their issues– Offer guidance and support– Host a TECS workshop
Lobby your admissions office to encourage formal computer science as a course of study for high school applicants