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Constructing Computational Identities: Exploring Constructionism and Identity in an Introductory High School Computer Science Course

  • Jacob Wolf
  • , Jenny Han
  • , Chris Proctor
  • , Emma Q. Brown
  • , Paulo Blikstein
  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • Independent Schools Foundation
  • Columbia University

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Justifying universal K12 computer science (CS) education requires a clear articulation of why CS is valuable for all students. Drawing from Constructionist perspectives on the relationship between computers and cognition, we analyze interviews with secondary school students at the end of their time in a 2-year, constructionist CS course to better understand how these students' CS education affected their experiences with computing in their everyday lives. In doing so, we identify three types of experience where students begin to "re-see"technology: respect, curiosity, and an impetus to do more. We analyze these experiences using Constructionist perspectives on computer cultures, material intelligence, and liberatory pedagogy. Finally, we discuss how computational identity development is a unique process mediated by learners' participation in communities of practice and explore implications of this analysis for the goals of K12 CS education.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of Constructionism, FABLEARN 2023
EditorsNathan Holbert, Paulo Blikstein
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
ISBN (Electronic)9798400708961
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 29 2024
Event2023 Constructionism, FABLEARN 2023 - New York City, United States
Duration: Oct 7 2023Oct 11 2023

Publication series

NameACM International Conference Proceeding Series

Conference

Conference2023 Constructionism, FABLEARN 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNew York City
Period10/7/2310/11/23

Keywords

  • Communities of Practice
  • Computational Identity
  • CS Education

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