Share Paper: Making Computer Science Education Accessible to Rural Middle School Female Students: A Conceptual Framework

  1. Cory Gleasman, Tennessee Tech University, United States
  2. Alex Fegely, Coastal Carolina University, United States
  3. Cale Koester, Tennessee Tech University, United States

Abstract: Computer science is being rapidly infused in the K-8 U.S. education system. As an emphasis is placed on computer science education there needs to be an effort to broaden access to computer science education for all. Students in rural areas are less likely to be introduced to computer science. All the while, the field of computer science has one of the largest gender disparities when compared to other science, technology, engineering, and math-related fields. This paper outlines a useful conceptual framework used to combat these issues. The framework grounded the design of an enrichment program called Girls Creating Opportunities to ...