Time4CS Modules and Student Achievement

This study sought to bring more CS to elementary students and to explore the relationship between implementing the Time4CS modules and grade 3-5 students’ CS attitudes and academic achievement. 

Key findings in this analysis were:

1. Teacher completion of a higher percentage of “extra” Code.org CS lessons was significantly associated with higher scores on the FSA ELA and mathematics assessments under the condition where the teachers reported themselves as higher in “resourcefulness and coping;” and
2. Teacher completion of a higher percentage of “extra” Code.org CS lessons was significantly associated with higher scores on the FSA science assessment under the condition where the teacher also reported high levels of resourcefulness and coping.

Century, J., Ferris, K., & Zuo, Huifang (2018). Finding time for computer science in the elementary day: Preliminary findings of an exploratory study. https://s3.amazonaws.com/cemse/time-for-cs/docs/TimeforCS_Preliminary_Findings.pdf

Youth Reading Habits in a Digital Age

Scholastic, in conjunction with Quinley Research and Harrison Group, conducted a survey to examine family attitudes and behaviors regarding reading books for fun in today’s digital age.

Key findings include:

-       Parents believe the use of electronic or digital devices negatively affects the time kids spend reading books (41%), doing physical activity (40%), and engaging with family (33%; PAGE 6).

-       From age 6 through age 17, the time kids spend reading declines while the time kids spend going online for fun and using a cell phone to text or talk increases (PAGE 7).

-       When asked about the one device parents would like their child to stop using for a one or two-week period, parents most often cite television, video game systems, and cell phones.

-       While only 25% of kids have read a book on a digital device (including computers), many more (57% of kids age 9-17) are interested in doing so.

-       It is clear that letting kids choose which books they want to read is key to raising a reader. Nine out of 10 children say they are more likely to finish books they choose themselves.

-       In addition to choice, parents use other tactics to encourage reading that appear to result in more frequent reading, including making sure there are interesting books at home (for kids age 9-11 and 15-17), putting limits on the amount of time spent using technology (for kids age 9-11), and suggesting books they might like.

Scholastic (2010). 2010 Kids & family reading report: Turning the page in the digital age. New York City, NY: Scholastic. http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/files/KFRR_2010.pdf

Perceptions and Attitudes on Public Libraries

In a new survey of Americans’ attitudes and expectations for public libraries, the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project finds that many library patrons are eager to see libraries’ digital services expand, yet also feel that print books remain important in the digital age. The availability of free computers and internet access now rivals book lending and reference expertise as a vital service of libraries.

Key findings include:

-       GPS-navigation apps to help patrons locate material inside library buildings: 34% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 28% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.

-       “Redbox”-style lending machines or kiosks located throughout the community where people can check out books, movies or music without having to go to the library itself: 33% of Americans ages 16 and older would “very likely” use that service and another 30% say they would be “somewhat likely” to do so.

-       When Pew Internet asked the library staff members in an online panel about these services, the three that were most popular were classes on e-borrowing, classes on how to use handheld reading devices, and online “ask a librarian” research services. Many librarians said that their libraries were already offering these resources in various forms, due to demand from their communities.

Zickuhr, K., Rainie, L., & Purcell, K. (2013). Library services in the digital age. Washington, D.C.: Pew Research Center.http://libraries.pewinternet.org/files/legacy-pdf/PIP_Library%20services_Report.pdf