A review of arts integration in K-12 CS education: gathering STEAM for inclusive learning

ABSTRACT

Background and Context

Although computing is a highly sought-after skill set in our modern economy, certain individuals are under represented in computer science (CS) courses and careers. The integration of visual and performing arts in K-12 CS education has been gaining “STEAM” as a viable strategy for making computing more inclusive.

Objective

The goal of this review is to increase knowledge and understanding of this approach.

Method

We undertook a rapid review of the existing literature using PRISMA’s protocol.

Findings

We provide insight into various approaches to K-12 arts+CS instruction, and describe how these approaches have impacted learners’ CS knowledge, skills, and attitudes. We also identify potential obstacles to making arts+CS instruction less inclusive.

Implications

We make recommendations for designing, developing, and implementing arts-integrated CS instruction across educational settings, and highlight the importance of increasing the presence of diverse voices and perspectives at this intersection of disciplines.

KEYWORDS:

• Computer science education
• K-12 education
• diversity
• arts integration
• STEAM
• inclusion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lauren Weisberg

Lauren Weisberg is a doctoral candidate specializing in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Florida. Her scholarship is at the intersections of teacher education, educational technology, and equity and social justice pedagogy. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in design, a Master of Arts degree in teaching, and a Master of Science degree in instructional design and e-learning. She has more than a decade of experience teaching visual arts courses and STEM courses in K-12 public schools and currently teaches technology integration courses for preservice teachers. She has also worked as a research assistant on NSF-funded projects focused on creating equitable computer science education opportunities for K-12 students.

Joanne Barrett

Joanne Barrett received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Technology from the University of Florida in 2017. She taught K-12 computer science for 25 years, founded the CSTA-Florida virtual chapter, and has volunteered with organizations including CSTA, Girls, Inc., and Code.org. Dr. Barrett and her colleagues at CSEveryone (the Kenneth C. Griffin Initiative at the University of Florida) are dedicated to making a difference in CS education for all.

Maya Israel

Maya Israel is an Associate Professor of Educational Technology and Computer Science Education at the University of Florida. She is the Director of UF’s Creative Technology Research Lab and CSEveryone (the Kenneth C. Griffin Initiative at UF). Dr. Israel’s research focuses on strategies for supporting students with disabilities and other academically diverse learners’ meaningful engagement in computer science education through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Dr. Israel was a writer on the K-12 Computer Science Education Framework as well as the revisions of the Computer Science Teachers Association Standards for Computer Science Teachers.

Don Miller

Don Miller is an artist and educator who has worked for the last decade to promote K-12 CS education nationwide. He currently serves as the Director of Computer Science Outreach and Implementation for the Kenneth C. Griffin CS Education for All Initiative at the University of Florida. After graduating from NYU’s ITP graduate program in 2011, Don served as the Senior Director of Computer Science Academics for the NYC Department of Education, working to bring computer science to all 1.1 million NYC public school students as part of the Mayor’s CS4All initiative. He has also worked for Code.org as a Regional Manager facilitating the training of thousands of new computer science teachers at hundreds of schools across the USA. Don has performed, exhibited, and lectured worldwide, and created a variety of open-source software.