Computer Science Education Lecture by Ashley Gavin

Introduction

• Speaker: Ashley Gavin
• Topic: Computer Science Education
• Definition: Computer Science as a medium for problem solving and self-expression.
• Comparison to art: Both involve creativity and translating ideas into a product.

Advantages of Majoring in Computer Science

• Employment Opportunities:
  • Work for tech companies with perks (free food, laundry, haircuts).
  • High salaries: Top-paying majors in college.
• Job Satisfaction:
  • Computer scientists rank second in job satisfaction in the U.S.
• Job Security:
  • 1 million jobs in computer science expected to remain unfilled.
  • By 2020, 1.4 million computer science jobs will open up.

Current Trends in Computer Science Education

• Notable Statistics:
  • 60% of new jobs in math and sciences will be in computer science.
  • Only 2% of math and science majors pursue computer science.
  • AP History: 400,000 students took the test; less than 40,000 took computer science (10%).
  • Of those, only 15% were women and 8% were students of color.
• Perception Issue:
  • Cultural stereotypes lead to a narrow view of computer scientists.

Teaching Challenges in Computer Science

• Lack of Early Exposure:
  • No computer science curriculum in primary and middle schools.
• Misconceptions:
  • Many students view computer science as unrelated to real-life applications.
  • Schools often teach non-core skills (e.g., privacy settings, web design) as computer science.
• High School Barriers:
  • Only 50% of states offer credit for computer science.

Personal Experience

• Speaker's background:
  • Majored in Computer Science, honors at Binmar College.
  • Worked at a national security lab at MIT.
  • Now teaches college-level computer science at Wesleyan University.
• Speaker's academic struggles in math and science but succeeded in computer science.

Effective Teaching Approaches

• Project-Based Learning:
  • Introduces fun projects (e.g., programming a video game) on day one.
  • Focus on problem-solving rather than coding itself.
  • Relevant applications in diverse interests (e.g., robotics, art, music).
• Empowerment through Creation:
  • Students can share their creations (e.g., apps) with friends, leading to a sense of accomplishment.

Success Stories and Impact

• Teaching at Girls Who Code:
  • Implemented a new curriculum that outperformed traditional courses.
  • Results:
    • Students doubled A's and reduced F's.
    • 100% of students either pursued computer science or related fields after the program.
• Economic Implications:
  • Fewer job crises; potential for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Historical Context

• Origins of Computer Science:
  • ENIAC: First computer used for calculations in WWII.
  • Contribution of women in early computing (e.g., Ada Lovelace).

Conclusion

• Vision for Future of Computer Science Education:
  • Focus on creativity and problem-solving.
  • Encourage students to envision and create their ideas.
• Call to Action:
  • Rethink how we teach and present computer science to inspire the next generation.