Summer 2018 Research with Samuel A. Rebelsky: Code Camps

Project information

Starting about two years ago, I took a break from my primary research agenda in arts computing to focus on issues pertaining to diversity in the computer science "pipeline". Because I know that disciplines are strengthened by a variety of perspectives, and because computing has a significant impact on the world, I feel a moral imperative to build a more diverse CS community. In discussions with Dr. Narren Brown, former Associate Director of Grinnell's Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment, we have come to the conclusion that the best way to address these issues is through week-long residential summer coding camps intended to attract middle-school students from under-represented groups.

Over the past two summers, we developed and offered two such camps, one focused on computing for social good in the context of the arts and one focused on computing for social good in the context of data science. We also developed a camp for elementary school students that focused on computing for the arts and tangible computing. Along the way, we also studied the impact of each approach on student interest and success in computing.

Due to a variety of factors, I am also spending the next few years working on new curricula for CSC 151, so that we can eventually offer multiple forms of the course. (The current CSC 151 material was developed about a decade ago; while it is polished, it is worth exploring alternatives.) The new forms will help support the College's Data Science and Digital Liberal Arts initiatives.

This summer we will build upon the work of the last two summers and, if there is time, extend our work to a few side projects.

If there is time, we may also continue two related side projects.

Approximate schedule

The spring portion of this schedule mimics the schedule officially approved by the division. However, I will certainly understand if students accept a position with me and then later choose to take a position elsewhere. In that case, I will notify students on my waiting list.

Application/decision period

Preparation

Summer research begins

Expectations

I have very high expectations of my summer research students. Among other things, I expect my students to begin their "summer" research during spring semester and continue their "summer" research into fall semester (and sometimes beyond). By applying for summer research you are agreeing to meet these expectations if I take you on as a research student. You are unlikely to receive explicit credit or compensation for work in the spring and fall.

As some students from the past may have reported, I expect my students to be self-reliant. While I do my best to be around, I expect you to be able to do many things on your own or with a small group.

Spring

Summer

During the summer, you are expected to work full-time on the project (typically 40-50 hours per week for ten weeks, potentially more during the weeks of summer camp). Most of the work will be done in my research laboratory, during normal hours (8/9 to 4/5). The work will include scheduled daily group meetings.

Fall and Spring

I realize that some students may be unavailable in the fall or spring, due to a study-abroad program or similar opportunity. Those students will do what they can of this work (e.g., they might present work in the spring, rather than in the fall).*

Application procedures

Applicants must meet with me for a fifteen minute interview. Please schedule that meeting at https://rebelsky.youcanbook.me.

Applicants must prepare and submit responses to the Glimmer application form, available at https://www.cs.grinnell.edu/~rebelsky/Department/glimmer-app-2018.html.

Applicants must also fill out the divisional summer research application, available at https://grinco.sharepoint.com/sites/academics/Sci/SitePages/Applications.aspx