Union, NJ - Kean University Computer Science Professor Juan Li recently received a $5,000 grant award from Google for her submission to the EngageCSEdu program. A collaboration between the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and Google, EngageCSEdu presents monetary awards to educators for the engagement and retention of women and other underrepresented groups in computer science courses. EngageCSEdu is dedicated to promoting excellence and diversifying the computer science workforce.
"Diversifying the CS workforce is important and beneficial to hiring companies and society as a whole," said Li.
The Google grant recognizes Li's innovative pedagogical strategies and her success encouraging students to pursue computer science careers. Kean University's commitment to undergraduate research provides students with real-world experiences that pave the way for professional achievement.
"Kean's CS department provides many opportunities for students to gain research experience, including presentations at Kean Research Days and summer research programs, as well as some industrial funding opportunities. Students are well prepared to enter CS careers after graduation, either getting a CS industry job right away or pursuing graduate studies," said Li.
Educators from across the country contribute to EngageCSEdu's collection of open course materials for introductory computer science courses. The program provides a dynamic forum for educators where they can share best practices and contribute their own unique curriculum resources.
Many things influence retention in computer science education, but Google's EngageCSEdu team cites positive experiences in introductory courses as a key determinate of success. EngageCSEdu helps educators effectively convey the breadth and diversity of computing to students, combatting misconceptions and negative stereotypes. Through inquiry based learning and interdisciplinary study, the program helps contextualize computing.
The Google grant recognizes Li's innovative pedagogical strategies and her success encouraging students to pursue computer science careers. Kean University's commitment to undergraduate research provides students with real-world experiences that pave the way for professional achievement.
"Kean's CS department provides many opportunities for students to gain research experience, including presentations at Kean Research Days and summer research programs, as well as some industrial funding opportunities. Students are well prepared to enter CS careers after graduation, either getting a CS industry job right away or pursuing graduate studies," said Li.
Educators from across the country contribute to EngageCSEdu's collection of open course materials for introductory computer science courses. The program provides a dynamic forum for educators where they can share best practices and contribute their own unique curriculum resources.
Many things influence retention in computer science education, but Google's EngageCSEdu team cites positive experiences in introductory courses as a key determinate of success. EngageCSEdu helps educators effectively convey the breadth and diversity of computing to students, combatting misconceptions and negative stereotypes. Through inquiry based learning and interdisciplinary study, the program helps contextualize computing.
