Computing at the high school level: Changing what teachers and students know and believe

Research indicates that students often opt out of computing majors due to a lack of prior experience in computing and a lack of knowledge of field-based job opportunities. In addition, it has been found that students respond positively to new subjects when teachers and counselors are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the area. The summer program described here is designed to improve high school students, teachers and guidance counselors understanding of the opportunities available in computing related fields, specifically information technology through a summer enrichment experience. The hypothesis of this work is that by exposing teachers and counselors to professional development in this field, their attitudes, beliefs and knowledge regarding information technology will be enhanced, thus impacting students’ attitudes (both attending the program and beyond) with respect to information technology and their desire to pursue degrees in this area. Results indicate that the design of this summer program enhanced the knowledge and interest of high school students with respect to information technology. Teachers’ knowledge was also positively influenced. Further refinements are necessary in the design of this program to improve the experiences of guidance counselors.

► SPIRIT is designed to improve high school students’, teachers’ and counselors’ understanding of the opportunities in computing related fields.
► By exposing teachers and counselors to professional development, they impact the students’ attitudes and desire to pursue degrees in this area.
► Assessment includes pre/post content and attitudes assessments, focus groups, and self-report instruments.
► Results indicate enhanced knowledge and interest for high school students, and positive influence on teachers’ knowledge.