Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) for Computer Science?

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) for Computer Science?
Language: English
Authors: Ernst Bekkering
Source: Information Systems Education Journal. 2025 23(3):4-15.
Availability: Information Systems and Computing Academic Professionals. Box 488, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. e-mail: publisher@isedj.org; Web site: http://isedj.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Research Training, Computer Science Education, Student Interests, Learning Experience, Course Content, Student Surveys, Student Attitudes, Educational Benefits, Student Recruitment, Academic Persistence, Likert Scales, Programming, Introductory Courses, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Software
ISSN: 1545-679X
Abstract: Undergraduate research can stimulate students' interest, especially in STEM disciplines. This research can be formally offered in different formats such as Undergraduate Research Experiences (UREs). One of these is Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), which are offered as an integral part of scheduled courses. CUREs have been primarily offered in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. A repository of CUREs (CUREnet) has been published with support of the National Science Foundation. This paper presents an opportunity to develop CUREs in Computer Science. It describes the content of the first authentic Computer Science CURE on CUREnet and provides links to all online materials. Students in the class completed a survey based on the Persistence in the Sciences (PITS) scale. Quantitative analysis did not demonstrate any effect on recruitment or retention. Analysis of qualitative responses was more positive. While the specific student research experiences on CUREnet are only of use in other disciplines, their use has proven beneficial in student recruitment and retention in those majors. CS faculty have an opportunity to use the model within Computer Science and get similar results.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1468042
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Undergraduate research can stimulate students' interest, especially in STEM disciplines. This research can be formally offered in different formats such as Undergraduate Research Experiences (UREs). One of these is Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), which are offered as an integral part of scheduled courses. CUREs have been primarily offered in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. A repository of CUREs (CUREnet) has been published with support of the National Science Foundation. This paper presents an opportunity to develop CUREs in Computer Science. It describes the content of the first authentic Computer Science CURE on CUREnet and provides links to all online materials. Students in the class completed a survey based on the Persistence in the Sciences (PITS) scale. Quantitative analysis did not demonstrate any effect on recruitment or retention. Analysis of qualitative responses was more positive. While the specific student research experiences on CUREnet are only of use in other disciplines, their use has proven beneficial in student recruitment and retention in those majors. CS faculty have an opportunity to use the model within Computer Science and get similar results.
ISSN:1545-679X