Perceptions of Computer Science among first year students at the
University of the Witwatersrand
V.C. Galpin and I. Sanders
Technical Report TR-Wits-CS-2005-0, School of Computer
Science, University of the Witwatersrand, 2005.
Abstract
This technical report presents research that investigates how the
perceptions of Computer Science students at the University of the
Witwatersrand located in Johannesburg, South Africa change from the
start of their first year courses to the end of these courses. The
research is motivated by our innovative curriculum which aims to
present a broad picture of Computer Science. Most of the students'
opinions did not change strongly, or alternatively there were changes
in both directions. Significant changes included more students
becoming positive about their own understanding of Computer Science,
fewer students believing that Computer Science and mathematics are
closely related, more students becoming aware of female Computer
Scientists, and students becoming less positive about working with
computers. Although students became more positive about their
understanding of Computer Science, this was not demonstrated in
their answers to questions about their knowledge. The majority of
students found the courses differed from their expectations, and
commented that they were too theoretical. Gender differences were
also considered.
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Full
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