A Google Computer Science for High School Workshop

In the summer of 2013, a Computer Science for High School Workshop was held in West Virginia University Institute of Technology, sponsored by Google Inc. It was the first Computer Science for High School Workshop in the State of West Virginia. The two-day workshop provided professional development training to high school teachers, with the goal to improve high school education related to computer/computing. A total of fourteen high school teachers attended the workshop. Through multiple theoretical, hands-on, and discussion sessions during the two-day workshop, the participating high school teachers learned about state-of-the-art computing knowledge and technology, obtained hands-on training on pedagogical tools, and had extensive interactions with university educators to discuss how to inspire high school students (particularly those from minority groups) to choose majors related to computer/computing. Assessment was conducted primarily via a series of surveys before and after the workshop, which included both formative measures and summative evaluations to address the workshop’s effectiveness. One survey was completed by the participating high school teachers over a Google website; plentiful positive feedback indicated the workshop is a success overall. A range of follow-up activities are currently ongoing. For example, after the workshop university faculties and students are making visits to the participating high schools to provide on-site assistance to the high school teachers. Also, a website was constructed and maintained as a forum, with the purpose of seeking long-term collaborative relationships among high schools and universities. Several high school teachers have reported that they had incorporated what they learned at the workshop into their teaching. In summary, we found the workshop had made significant impact on the high school education related to computer/computing in the State of West Virginia.