An Immersive Virtual Experience to Drive Change in Computer Science Education

Striking inequities in computer science education (CSE) present educators, researchers, and the broader community of stakeholders with the challenge of broadening participation of underrepresented groups. In response, through our work with the Rutgers University Computer Science Teaching & Learning Collaboratory, a researcher-practitioner partnership (RPP) funded by the National Science Foundation, we held the 2020 Summer Institute, an intensive 3-day virtual workshop for high school teachers, administrators, and school counselors from over 15 districts across NJ and PA. The workshop included 12 unique and purposeful professional learning opportunities focused on increasing the capacity of district teams to provide inclusive, rigorous, and equitable CSE at the high school level. Sessions included panels with teachers and students nationwide, demonstrations on the use of CS tools for teaching remotely, and strategic planning opportunities to coordinate long-term goals and systemic change relating to CSE. This report summarizes the program, expresses the experience of participants measured through daily evaluations, and reflects on lessons learned to inform future work.