This Is What We Need: Insights from CUNY Computer Science Students

(Connections for Improving the Student Experience)

Provided Presentation Description:

This presentation will discuss the results of a cross-CUNY student survey of over 600 students, examining whether students have adequate access to technology to succeed in Computer Science / Information Technology courses. An overview of the results will be shared, including student-reported access to and use of technology (hardware, operating systems, other software) and their expressed needs and preferences to better succeed in CS. The presentation will also discuss key takeaways from a complementary cross-CUNY student focus group study. The focus group results will concentrate on student experiences in prioritizing equipment purchases (i.e., laptop, desktop, external storage, internet) compared to other academic and non-academic expenses, as well as recommendations of their ideal technology landscape for incoming CUNY computer science students.

Presenters:

Sheena Philogene, Assistant Professor, Library, Brooklyn College

Notes:

I believe some of us are familiar with this session. It presented research conducted by Cailean and Sheena Philogene, which analyzed the results of a cross-CUNY student survey to examine whether students have adequate access to technology to succeed in CS/IT courses, and here are some of the outcomes from the research.

 n=371
57% use campus computer lab.
40% use computer lab 2-3 times a week.
20% borrow laptops.
30% cs major reported unreliable access to computer while on campus.
20% reported not ever meet in a computer lab.
More than 80% reported having challenges completing cs course work.
75% believed they would benefit from hands-on technology environment.
More than 65% believed they would benefit from improved access to computing devices.

Student recommendations:
1. Campus to provide stipends of $600 to purchase their own equipment. (Do not like dell, and no to chromebooks).
2. Improve campus infrastructture. Update equipment labs, larger screens, better wifi, etc.
3. Orientation for new to the majors on what tools, skills, pre-requisites needed.
4. Expand access to software. This also points out that students aren't well informed as they are not familiar with what access or software license they have through CUNY or from their campus/major, so better communication is needed. 
5. Affordable high speed internet options.