Department
Computer Science
Major
Computer Science
Research Advisor
Tauritz, Daniel R.
Advisor's Department
Computer Science
Funding Source
Missouri S& T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program Collaborative Research Experience for Undergraduates in Computer Science and Engineering (CREU) Grant from the Computing Research Association Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research (CRA-W)
Abstract
The goal of this project is to create recruitment software to aid in reversing the alarming trend of decreasing interest in Computer Science (CS) among American students, particularly women. The current generation of American students, especially women, tends to be attracted to fields with clear social relevancy. Third through sixth grade is a crucial time when students form their opinions about, and interests in, math and science. Misconceptions about what CS is and a lack of understanding regarding its many socially relevant applications creates negative associations during this crucial time. These negative associations can result later in many women students not picking the math and science classes that would prepare them for a CS career, ultimately lowering CS enrollment. Our recruitment software explains in an entertaining way what CS is and showcases its social relevancy through a series of highly visual, interactive games & puzzles, and illustrates CS alumni careers.
Biography
Jessica Williams went to Hazelwood West High School. She currently is a senior at Missouri University of Science and Technology where she is pursuing a bachelor's in computer science and a minor in Mathematics. She is currently an intern at Reuters in St. Louis, MO and a member of INROADS, which is a non-profit organization that trains and develops talented minority youth for professional careers in business and industry. She mentors students on techniques they can use to successfully complete college, which includes Time Management and helping students to discover their learning style. She also attends training sessions for Learning Enhancement Across Disciplines (LEAD), in which she learns the most effective way to teach students, and INROADS, where she learns effective ways to improve in all job-related areas. She participates in Bible Study, which is trying to become an official organization on campus.
Research Category
Management and Information Systems
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Management and Information Systems poster session, Second place
Location
Havener Center, Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
9 Apr 2008, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Computer Science Recruitment for the 21st Century (CSRecruit21)
Havener Center, Upper Atrium/Hallway
The goal of this project is to create recruitment software to aid in reversing the alarming trend of decreasing interest in Computer Science (CS) among American students, particularly women. The current generation of American students, especially women, tends to be attracted to fields with clear social relevancy. Third through sixth grade is a crucial time when students form their opinions about, and interests in, math and science. Misconceptions about what CS is and a lack of understanding regarding its many socially relevant applications creates negative associations during this crucial time. These negative associations can result later in many women students not picking the math and science classes that would prepare them for a CS career, ultimately lowering CS enrollment. Our recruitment software explains in an entertaining way what CS is and showcases its social relevancy through a series of highly visual, interactive games & puzzles, and illustrates CS alumni careers.
