Abstract:
As the demand for digital skills among second-level students continues to grow, there are still unanswered questions regarding the reasons which motivate students to study Computer Science. Much research has been done into the factors which influence students to choose Computer Science at third-level, but corresponding research does not exist across second-level education in Ireland. Furthermore, no longitudinal study exists whereby changes in students’ opinions of Computer Science are monitored across latter stages of second-level and into initial third-level education. Intrinsic factors such as academic self-determination and self-efficacy may motivate students to feel well suited to a technical subject such as Computer Science. Similarly, the opinions of family and friends and societal perceptions of Computer Science could be considered relevant extrinsic factors which may influence student subject and career choices. This paper will outline a work-in-progress study designed to longitudinally investigate the educational experiences which influence students to study Computer Science between second and third-level education in Ireland, through a set of surveys, focus groups and interviews.
PPIG 2026 - 37th Annual Workshop
Investigation into the Factors Which Influence Students to Study Computer Science between Second and Third-Level Education – A Working Study