Participatory Design for STEM Learning Environments with Youth & Families

Abstract

There are many different contexts for teaching computing/STEM, so it important that youth are able to participate in the learning environments, as well as their design. As more computing education programs are created, we need to bring youth and their communities into the fold of determining how the learning environment can serve them. This study seeks to explore ways for youth and their families to share how computing/STEM affects their community, then how to design an informal learning program with them. To do this, I propose using a photovoice project to invite youth and their families to show how STEM/computing affects their lives. The outcome of this research will help inform the design of informal computing education programs towards being more inclusive of learners whose identities are underrepresented in computing.