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Track 2 EBP: Toward Using Virtual Identities in Computer Science Learning for Broadening Participation
This research examines the role of virtual identities in students' learning core computational principles. Women and many ethnic minority groups are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions in the United States. Increasingly, computational skills are required for entry into any of the STEM fields. Identifying effective and innovative means of teaching computational skills is a critical contribution to this national challenge. This research builds on the evidence that stereotype threats can undermine the learning process for women and ethnic minorities.

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Project Contributions

Toward Understanding The Impacts Of Role Model Avatars On Engagement In Computer Science Learning
"Studies show that using role models can boost academic performance of learners (Lockwood, 2006; Marx & Roman, 2002). In this paper, we describe an experiment (N=1067) exploring the impacts of…
Exploring the Effects of Encouragement in Educational Games
"Encouragement (e.g., "Youre doing well") given at regular intervals improves performance in a variety of sporting domains [9, 1, 6]. This improvement is regardless of the actual performance of participants.…