Discipline: Computer Sciences and Information Management
Subcategory: Computer Science & Information Systems
Session: 2
Room: Exhibit Hall A
Kyanie Waters - Mississippi Valley State University
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), current figures show that 9.8% of computer science undergraduates dropped out before even completing their degree, and HESA also states that computer science has the highest dropout rate [1]. Mobile applications are being developed in many subject areas and levels of education, but it is unclear if these applications are producing higher grades and a positive effect on retention. As stated above computer science has one of the highest dropout rates. The hypothesis of this research is as stated, ‘Discipline-specific mobile learning applications can improve students’ grades and performance.’ This research looks at the quantitative results of mobile applications. This is the start of a longitudinal study of the effectiveness of a discipline-specific mobile learning application. The mobile application is being developed for a computer science based cybersecurity course. In our previous work, a web-based mobile application was developed, which showed promise toward the effectiveness of such a tool. This research expands on this by extending the evaluation of the students involved, while also presenting the application in a different format. The qualitative assessment supports that there is an interest and a belief that such a tool will help students? success. References: [1] K. Flinders and K. Flinders, ‘Computer science undergraduates most likely to drop out,’ ComputerWeekly.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252467745/Computer-science-undergraduates-most-likely-to-drop-out. [Accessed: 27-Sep-2019].
Funder Acknowledgement(s): Funding provided by National Science Foundation #1533609 and the Department of Education
Faculty Advisor: Christopher Lanclos, christopher.lanclos@mvsu.edu
Role: I did the literature review, surveys, and mobile learning application presented in my research.