Computer Science Recruitment for the 21st Century
Department
Computer Science
Major
Computer Science
Research Advisor
Tauritz, Daniel R.
Advisor's Department
Computer Science
Funding Source
Computing Research Association Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research (CRA-W); Missouri S&T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
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 females. The current generation of American students, especially females, 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 (female) 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
Charissa Mathis attended Rolla High School and is currently a junior, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a minor in Psychology. She is the president and webmaster of Missouri S&T's ACM-W chapter. This summer she will be participating in an internship with Express Scripts as a Java programmer. During the school year, she works in the Computer Science office as an office assistant, and formerly she worked for the Rolla Public Schools Technology Department as a computer technician. Her hobbies include computers & technology, reading, sketching, and origami.
Research Category
Social Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Social Sciences poster session, Third place
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
08 Apr 2009, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Computer Science Recruitment for the 21st Century
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 females. The current generation of American students, especially females, 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 (female) 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.
Comments
Joint project with Jasmine Glaese and Janet Guntly