Towards a consensus on program elements of specialized computer science / information technology (CS/IT) programs in high schools
A Delphi study
Keywords:
computer science, information technology, high school, programsAbstract
In our increasingly technological and advanced times, demand for K-12 education in computer science and information technology (CS/IT) is growing. Current data offer insight into student access to computer science education and course-taking. In addition to the expansion of individual course offerings, there is also a growing number of specialized CS/IT programs in high schools. However, there has been no systematic attempt to document the landscape of those programs. This study is part of a larger landscape study of secondary CS/IT programs in Virginia and uses a consensus-based approach to identify the common elements that expert and practitioner panelists believe should be included in such a program. The results reveal strong consensus on a wide range of program goals, activities, and curricular elements, suggesting that there are many opportunities to create purposeful and coherent CS/IT programs in high schools.
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