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Towards a Personalized Learning Approach to BroadenParticipation in Computer Science and Promote Computational Thinking

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Conference

2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Publication Date

August 23, 2022

Start Date

June 26, 2022

End Date

June 29, 2022

Conference Session

Broadening Participation and Inclusion in STEM: Equity, Culture & Social Justice in Education Division Technical Session 8

Page Count

9

DOI

10.18260/1-2--41792

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/41792

Download Count

279

Paper Authors

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Philip Gonsalves

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Emmanuel Johnson University of Southern California

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Post Doctoral Research Associate
USC Information Sciences Institute

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Teresa Ober University of Notre Dame

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Janice Zdankus

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Mayank Kakodkar Purdue University at West Lafayette (COE)

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Abstract

Computational devices are an integral part of our daily lives that underpin our social, political, and economic livelihood. The field of computer science has the potential to be an equalizing force if all members of society have the opportunity to participate in it. For example, there is a growing influence of automation, specifically technologies that involve artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), on transforming the way we live and work. Reflecting this growing influence, there is also an increased demand for individuals with skills and knowledge to navigate an AI/ML-enhanced workplace. However, there remains a disparity between those able to benefit from such changes in workforce demands. As such, finding ways to address this disparity is not only an imperative towards a more diverse and representative workforce, but also has the potential to foster untapped talent in engineering and other STEM fields. In an effort to fulfill this need, Curated Pathway to Innovation (CPI) has been designed to develop and maintain students’ interest and engagement in computer science and programming through a personalized online educational platform powered by machine learning. Data collected thus far from CPI users suggests an increase in attitudes towards computer programming after one year of using the platform which did not vary between users based on demographic factors. The benefits and challenges of addressing issues related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the computing sector through a platform such as CPI are further considered

Gonsalves, P., & Johnson, E., & Ober, T., & Zdankus, J., & Kakodkar, M. (2022, August), Towards a Personalized Learning Approach to BroadenParticipation in Computer Science and Promote Computational Thinking Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--41792

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