Improving engagement, diversity, and retention in computer science with RadGrad: Results of a case study

TL;DR

This paper presents RadGrad, a curriculum initiative using an app with social, planning, and gaming features to enhance engagement, diversity, and retention in undergraduate computer science programs.

Contribution

It introduces RadGrad as an innovative approach that redefines success metrics and evaluates its impact on student outcomes in CS education.

Findings

Increased student engagement and retention observed.

Improved diversity among participants.

Identified challenges and opportunities in implementation.

Abstract

RadGrad is a curriculum initiative implemented via an application that combines features of social networks, degree planners, individual learning plans, and serious games. RadGrad redefines traditional meanings of "progress" and "success" in the undergraduate computer science degree program in an attempt to improve engagement, retention, and diversity. In this paper, we describe the RadGrad Project and report on an evaluation study designed to assess the impact of RadGrad on student engagement, diversity, and retention. We also present opportunities and challenges that result from the use of the system.