| Project: |
Computer Science Recruitment for the 21st Century |
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| Student Researchers: |
Lisa Guntly, |
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| Advisor: |
Daniel Tauritz |
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| Institution: |
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
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| Webpage: |
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.