Exploring college students’ conceptions of learning computer science: a draw-a-picture technique study

ABSTRACT

Background and context

Researchers have been looking into the complexity of computer science (CS) education and tried to apply rigorous and relevant educational research methods to understand and facilitate the learning experience of students.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore college students’ conceptions of learning CS to shed light on student learning activities, feelings, contexts, and beliefs about their learning.

Method

Draw-a-picture technique was used as an emerging research technique in CS education. Using a modified coding checklist, we analyzed the drawings into 9 categories with 50 sub-categories.

Findings

College students most frequently expressed computer programming as the learning activity by illustrating syntax and semantics of programming languages in the drawings. Problem-solving constructs like decomposition and abstraction were also recorded along with other tools like diagramming techniques. Gender and prior computer science experience were analyzed as moderators.

Implications

The results provide a baseline for future research on the topic and preliminary evidence in using the method to discern student learning conceptions in CS.

KEYWORDS:

• Computer science education
• conceptions of learning
• draw-a-picture technique
• computer programming

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zhen Xu

Zhen Xu is a Ph.D. Candidate in the School of Teaching and Learning at the University of Florida, with a specialization in Educational Technology. She is also pursuing a minor in Research and Evaluation Methodology with a focus on quantitative methods. Her scholarship focuses on exploring, developing, and implementing frameworks and technologies to promote meaningful STEM learning.

Albert D. Ritzhaupt

Dr. Albert D. Ritzhaupt is an Associate Professor of Educational Technology and Computer Science Education, and the Associate Director for Graduate Studies in the School of Teaching and Learning at the University of Florida. Dr. Ritzhaupt has published more than 100 journal articles, book chapters, technical reports, and conference proceedings. His primary research areas focus on the design, development, utilization, and evaluation of theory-inspired, technology-enhanced learning environments; teaching practices and instructional strategies in computer and information science education; operationalizing and measuring technology integration in education in education, particularly focusing on the factors that facilitate and hinder technology use in formal educational settings and the professional competencies of individuals in the field of educational technology.

Karthikeyan Umapathy

Dr. Karthikeyan Umapathy is an Associate Professor at the School of Computing, University of North Florida. He received his Ph.D. in Information Sciences and Technology from the Pennsylvania State University. He is the 2018 - 2020 recipient of the FIS Distinguished Professor in Computing Award. He is a co-director of Florida Data Science for Social Good (FL-DSSG). He is a Florida Campus Compact STEM Fellow, Florida Campus Compact STEM Certified Scholar, IEEE Senior Member, and UNF Community Scholar. He uses service-learning as a means to help students understand that it takes more than technical expertise to be a good professional and excel in the job. He provides a real-world software development experience for students by identifying collaborative projects from nonprofit and small business organizations. His research interests are designing and developing complex information systems, analyzing web service standards, investigating innovative methods to teach computing concepts, and examining IT standardization processes.

Yang Ning

Prof. Ning Yang is an Associate Professor at Nanjing Xiaozhuang University. He has published many articles in core journals. His research interests mainly involve fuzzy database, computer education, big data and so on.

Chin-Chung Tsai

Prof. Chin-Chung Tsai is currently a Chair Professor and the Dean for School of Learning Informatics, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan. He is also the Director of the Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University. Since July 2009, he has been appointed as the Co-Editor of Computers & Education. He is also currently served as the Editor of International Journal of Science Education. His research interests deal largely with constructivism, epistemic beliefs, and various types of technology-enhanced (such as VR, AR, game) instruction.