Computing Science:Computing Science:What do pupils think?What do pupils think?

Alison MitchellAlison MitchellUniversity of StrathclydeUniversity of Strathclydea.mitchell@strath.ac.uka.mitchell@strath.ac.uk

With studentsWith students

David BarrDavid BarrStewart MelvinStewart Melvin

&& thanks to Chris Mitchell & Helen Purchasethanks to Chris Mitchell & Helen Purchase

University of GlasgowUniversity of Glasgow

A project sponsored by LTSN-ICSA project sponsored by LTSN-ICSAugust to October 2004August to October 2004

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Computing Science:Computing Science:What do pupils think?What do pupils think?

What do you think they think about it?What do you think they think about it?

Write down 3 things.Write down 3 things.

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

To begin:To begin:

The numbers in HE are decreasingThe numbers in HE are decreasing

But:But:

Teachers and pupils were surprised Teachers and pupils were surprised becausebecause

Computing numbers in school are Computing numbers in school are buoyant.buoyant.

64% think numbers are the same or 64% think numbers are the same or higherhigher

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Numbers taking Highers in schools Numbers taking Highers in schools & HE admissions& HE admissions

Scottish schoolsScottish schools UK-HEUK-HE

Comp StudComp Stud Info SysInfo Sys (UCAS)(UCAS)

20002000 24012401 12071207

20012001 46044604 25122512

20022002 44804480 28962896 - 9%- 9%

20032003 47534753 28522852 - - 15% 15%

20042004 - 19% - 19% (52,777(52,777))

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UCAS UK admissions 2004UCAS UK admissions 2004

Computing Computing -19.0%-19.0% (52,777)(52,777)EEEEEE - 7.7%- 7.7% (26,349)(26,349)MathematicsMathematics +16.3%+16.3% (25,543)(25,543)ChemistryChemistry +7.1%+7.1% (16,768)(16,768)Mech EngMech Eng +12.5%+12.5% (24,038)(24,038)Civil EngCivil Eng +25.2%+25.2% (16,408)(16,408)PhysicsPhysics - 9.9%- 9.9% (15,277)(15,277)ZoologyZoology + 7.4%+ 7.4% ( 5,899)( 5,899)Software EngSoftware Eng -23.0%-23.0% ( 5,732)( 5,732)StatisticsStatistics + 8.8%+ 8.8% ( 1,084)( 1,084)AIAI -15.9%-15.9% ( 545)( 545)

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

The sampleThe sampleNatural diverse mixture of pupilsNatural diverse mixture of pupilsNot just computing studentsNot just computing studentsSurveyed S1 to S6 pupilsSurveyed S1 to S6 pupils– Interviews, focus groups, PRS questionnairesInterviews, focus groups, PRS questionnaires– Also interviewed teachersAlso interviewed teachers

Big (about 2000 pupils)Big (about 2000 pupils)Specific requests for senior group:Specific requests for senior group:– Higher MathsHigher Maths– Intending to go to HEIntending to go to HE– Focus groupsFocus groups

Gender balanceGender balanceComputing and non computing pupilsComputing and non computing pupils

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Why have numbers in HE decreased? Why have numbers in HE decreased? Most popular reasons from senior focus groupsMost popular reasons from senior focus groups

ICT in schools, so no need to take ICT in schools, so no need to take computing furthercomputing furtherBoring Boring Don’t know what it involves Don’t know what it involves Too difficult/ hard Too difficult/ hard Other options more enjoyableOther options more enjoyableNature of jobs Nature of jobs (but not job shortage)(but not job shortage)

Teacher/ classes/equipment Teacher/ classes/equipment (very few)(very few)

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Fewer are taking CS why do you Fewer are taking CS why do you think this is?think this is?

Fewer people are taking Computing Science at university. Which of these do you think is the most important reason?:N=396

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Use ofcomputers is

now socommon that

there’s noneed to take it

Too hard Lessappealing thanother subjects

Few er jobsaround

A ‘geeky’image

Not useful ifyou don't

w ant a careerin Computing

Science

Boring Too muchcompetition for

jobs

People would rather use them than invent them

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Comments about ‘Jobs’Comments about ‘Jobs’

People prefer accountancy or medicine, better paidPeople prefer accountancy or medicine, better paidPeople don’t like pay conditionsPeople don’t like pay conditionsPeople think it’s too hard to get intoPeople think it’s too hard to get intoVery common degree so few jobs availableVery common degree so few jobs availableIT skills are more common, so not much in demandIT skills are more common, so not much in demandToo many people want to do itToo many people want to do itToo many people not enough jobsToo many people not enough jobsDot com bubbleDot com bubble

And more positively, but just 1 pupil….And more positively, but just 1 pupil….Useful in all career areasUseful in all career areas

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Is there an image problem? Is there an image problem?

Lost its glamorous imageLost its glamorous image

Not special any moreNot special any more

Don’t know exactly what it isDon’t know exactly what it is

Programming too difficultProgramming too difficult

People don’t like sitting in front of a People don’t like sitting in front of a computercomputer

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Comparison of CS with Maths.Comparison of CS with Maths.Edinburgh groupEdinburgh group

Maths is more difficultMaths is more difficult

Equally enjoyableEqually enjoyable

More knowledgeable about Maths as More knowledgeable about Maths as a subject to studya subject to study

CS job prospects are betterCS job prospects are better

More aware of graduate jobs in More aware of graduate jobs in MathsMaths

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Computing Science: Computing Science: what do pupils think?what do pupils think?

Does the experience of ICT in schools Does the experience of ICT in schools

put pupils off?put pupils off?

55% say ‘yes it has put me off’55% say ‘yes it has put me off’

And alsoAnd also

68% would only take CS if they wanted a 68% would only take CS if they wanted a career in computingcareer in computing

54% think its more of a skill than a career54% think its more of a skill than a career

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

The ‘ICT effectThe ‘ICT effect’’Use of IT now intuitive, no need for CS knowledgeUse of IT now intuitive, no need for CS knowledgeIt’s a modern everyday technology, no need for studyIt’s a modern everyday technology, no need for studyPeople not interested in learning how computers People not interested in learning how computers workworkAlready know the basicsAlready know the basicsNot useful if you don’t want a career in CSNot useful if you don’t want a career in CSMore people try to teach themselves to use the More people try to teach themselves to use the computercomputerNot essential to know about the insides of a computer Not essential to know about the insides of a computer Seen as too common a subjectSeen as too common a subjectPeople would rather use things than invent themPeople would rather use things than invent themComputing scientists are running out of ideasComputing scientists are running out of ideasPopularity of internetPopularity of internet

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Computing Science: Computing Science: what do pupils think?what do pupils think?

What do pupils know about Computing What do pupils know about Computing Science ?Science ?

60% senior pupils have heard of it 60% senior pupils have heard of it but don’t know what it isbut don’t know what it is

40% junior pupils have never heard 40% junior pupils have never heard of it & most of the rest don’t know of it & most of the rest don’t know what it iswhat it is

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

What do you think Computing Science What do you think Computing Science might be about?might be about?

Senior groupSenior groupWhat do you think Computing Science might be about?:N=406

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Mostly programming Similar things to ICT Learning how to usea computer efficiently

Understanding thew ays that computers

operate

Studying computers Science needed toproduce computers

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

What do you think Computing Science What do you think Computing Science might be about?might be about?

Junior groupJunior groupWhat do you think Computing Science might be about?:N=409

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Mostly programming Similar things to ICT Learning how to usea computer eff iciently

Understanding thew ays that computers

operate

Studying computers Science needed toproduce computers

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

What is Computing Science most like?What is Computing Science most like?Senior groupSenior groupWhat is Computing Science most like?:N=391

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Business Management orAdministration

Maths Physics ICT Technological Studies orEngineering

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

What is Computing Science most like?What is Computing Science most like?Junior groupJunior groupWhat is Computing Science most like?:N=400

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Business Management orAdministration

Maths Physics ICT Technological Studies orEngineering

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Which best describes your idea of Which best describes your idea of Computing Science?Computing Science?

Senior groupSenior groupWhich best describes your idea of Computing Science?:N=396

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Boring Diff icult tounderstand

Interesting Useful Demanding Fun Heavy going

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Which best describes your idea of Which best describes your idea of Computing Science?Computing Science?

Junior groupJunior groupWhich best describes your idea of Computing Science?:N=403

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Boring Diff icult tounderstand

Interesting Useful Demanding Fun Heavy going

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Positive aspects of CS:Positive aspects of CS:Edinburgh groupEdinburgh group

JobsJobs– Good job prospectsGood job prospects– Good payGood pay– Valuable skills for jobValuable skills for job

SocietySociety– Keep up with changes in societyKeep up with changes in society– Useful in all areasUseful in all areas

Personal (ICT skills)Personal (ICT skills)– Email, internet, Email, internet, – Time savingTime saving– Looks betterLooks better– Useful to be good at computersUseful to be good at computers

SubjectSubject– InterestingInteresting– Problem basedProblem based– How to use computerHow to use computer

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Negative aspects of CS:Negative aspects of CS:Edinburgh groupEdinburgh group

Personal experiencePersonal experience– BoringBoring– FrustratingFrustrating– ConfusingConfusing– Hardware faultsHardware faults– Internet failureInternet failure

SubjectSubject– Difficult/ hard/ hard to keep up withDifficult/ hard/ hard to keep up with

SocialSocial– Nerdy/ negative imageNerdy/ negative image– AntisocialAntisocial

SchoolSchool– Out of date text booksOut of date text books– Poor equipmentPoor equipment– ‘‘fluffy’ at standard gradefluffy’ at standard grade

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Skills of Computing Science:Skills of Computing Science:Edinburgh & Focus groupsEdinburgh & Focus groups

Patience/ perseverancePatience/ perseveranceCreativeCreativeGood memoryGood memoryProblem solving skillsProblem solving skillsProgramming skillsProgramming skillsMaths & Physics knowledgeMaths & Physics knowledgeWork hardWork hardLike computersLike computersTypingTyping

53% of seniors think it’s a difficult subject53% of seniors think it’s a difficult subject48% would not want to study it at HE48% would not want to study it at HE

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

What is your Careers library like for CS What is your Careers library like for CS information? information?

65% of seniors think there is plenty 65% of seniors think there is plenty information aroundinformation around

But of the focus groupsBut of the focus groups32% had never looked in Library32% had never looked in LibraryAnother 60% had never looked at CSAnother 60% had never looked at CS

The remainder saidThe remainder saidCareers libraries up to date Careers libraries up to date Useful for Useful for careerscareers in CS in CSLess useful for CS Less useful for CS coursescourses

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Who or what influences choices?Who or what influences choices?Edinburgh & focus groupsEdinburgh & focus groups

Top 10Top 101.1. ParentsParents2.2. TeachersTeachers3.3. Guidance teachersGuidance teachers4.4. School option choice bookletsSchool option choice booklets5.5. Friends (especially older ones)Friends (especially older ones)6.6. My own choiceMy own choice7.7. FamilyFamily8.8. Careers advisers (very few)Careers advisers (very few)9.9. University info (hardly anyone)University info (hardly anyone)10.10. Internet (hardly anyone)Internet (hardly anyone)

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

What information would you like about What information would you like about CS?CS?

Careers Careers – What it involves as a jobWhat it involves as a job– What variety of careers use itWhat variety of careers use it– Job prospectsJob prospects

GeneralGeneral– What is it?What is it?– What is it used for?What is it used for?– RelevanceRelevance– What skills?What skills?– Not (just) for guys!Not (just) for guys!– ‘‘How to’ manualHow to’ manual

CoursesCourses– What is involved?What is involved?– Why should I study it?Why should I study it?

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

From interviews with teachersFrom interviews with teachers

School Computing and CS in HE are not the sameSchool Computing and CS in HE are not the same– School computing is shaped bySchool computing is shaped by

Preferences of individual Principal TeachersPreferences of individual Principal TeachersWhether CS or IS taughtWhether CS or IS taughtWhether pupils take only ICTWhether pupils take only ICT

Threats to Computing in schoolsThreats to Computing in schools– Reduction in no of CS teachers & their required CS Reduction in no of CS teachers & their required CS

qualificationsqualifications– Limited CPD in rapidly changing subjectLimited CPD in rapidly changing subject– Old equipment, slow technologiesOld equipment, slow technologies– Conflicting curriculum choicesConflicting curriculum choices– New school faculty structure:New school faculty structure:

Will CS be in business admin, technology or science?Will CS be in business admin, technology or science?

Growth in ICT across the curriculumGrowth in ICT across the curriculum– ICT until S6 (PC passport)ICT until S6 (PC passport)

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Conclusions: Conclusions: Shortage of jobs is not especially widely Shortage of jobs is not especially widely known & is not the primary cause of known & is not the primary cause of declining numbersdeclining numbersJobs in computing are not well understood Jobs in computing are not well understood or well perceivedor well perceived

CS applications to HE may suffer from CS applications to HE may suffer from perceived success of ICT in developing perceived success of ICT in developing personal computing skills in schoolspersonal computing skills in schools

Good pupils may see no need to take CSGood pupils may see no need to take CS

Senior pupils are Senior pupils are – aware CS is not ICT aware CS is not ICT – have some idea of skills have some idea of skills – are not sure what it isare not sure what it is

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Conclusions:Conclusions:The subject has lost its ‘novelty ‘The subject has lost its ‘novelty ‘Pupils think others think CS suffers from Pupils think others think CS suffers from ‘geeky’ image (but not themselves)‘geeky’ image (but not themselves)CS is thought of as too hardCS is thought of as too hardPupils do not really know what it isPupils do not really know what it isWhat they do know makes them think its What they do know makes them think its boringboringThey do have an appreciation of the skills They do have an appreciation of the skills involvedinvolvedParents, teachers and guidance teachers Parents, teachers and guidance teachers are key influencersare key influencersInformation in libraries appears Information in libraries appears satisfactory but pupils do not necessarily satisfactory but pupils do not necessarily read it.read it.

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Computing Science: Computing Science: What do you think about what What do you think about what

pupils think?pupils think?

What actions could you take?What actions could you take?

There’s a recruitment strategy There’s a recruitment strategy

waiting to happen.waiting to happen.

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

The recruitment process:The recruitment process:the pastthe past

high application numbershigh application numbers

Senior pupils

‘Prospects’

Applicants

Junior pupils

students

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The recruitment process: The recruitment process: the futurethe future

low application numberslow application numbers

Senior pupils

‘Prospects’

Applicants

Junior pupils

students

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

Computing Science: Computing Science: What do pupils think?What do pupils think?

Thank you for listeningThank you for listening

Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell

University of StrathclydeUniversity of Strathclyde

a.mitchell@strath.ac.uka.mitchell@strath.ac.uk