Type: Empirical,Other

Purpose: "In this paper we highlight the [SIGCSE] conference theme from the perspective of computer science (CS) teacher preparation and describe the Views program, launched at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology... Views invites Technion graduates back to the Technion to study toward an additional bachelor's degree in the Department of Education in Science and Technology. The degree they earn includes a high school teaching certificate in one of eight tracks: math, physics, biology, chemistry, CS, environmental sciences, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering... we (a) present the Views program; (b) analyze factors that motivate and demotivate CS graduates to enroll in the program; (c) describe the characteristics of students in the program and their contribution to the learning environments and (d) address hopes with respect to the expected future impact of the Views program on the education system in Israel in general and on CS education in particular" (p. 1).

Findings: "We learned that: (a) the profession of CS does not expose CS graduates to situations in which they can express teaching skills and therefore, even if they have a tendency towards education, they may not uncover it and consider education as a second career; (b) alumni students appreciate the personal contribution of Views; (c) alumni who enroll in Views have a significant impact on the department's studies" (p. 6).

Recommendations: