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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is CSAwesome?
A: CSAwesome (course.csawesome.org) is a College Board AP CS A curriculum to teach Java programming housed at the National Center for Computer Science Education (css.edu/csed) through the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. The free curriculum, adopted from teachers all across the United States, follows the 2019 College Board AP CSA units and learning objectives. CSAwesome is an official College Board endorsed curriculum and professional development provider for AP CSA starting in the 2020-2021 academic year. The curriculum is based on Barb Ericson's Java Review course on Runestone Academy.
Q: What is Mobile CSP?
A: Mobile Computer Science Principles (Mobile CSP) (mobile-csp.org) is a College Board AP CSP curriculum to teach computer science principles housed at the National Center for Computer Science Education (css.edu/csed) through the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. The free curriculum, adopted from teachers all across the United States, follows the College Board AP CSP units and learning objectives. Mobile CSP is an official College Board endorsed curriculum and professional development provider. Students use MIT App Inventor -- a blocks-based programming language -- to build socially useful mobile apps.
Completing the Consent and Assent Form
Completing the Consent and Assent Form
Q: Why are my student and I being asked to complete permission forms?
A: Both the CSAwesome and Mobile CSP projects have been approved by the College of St. Scholastica Institutional Review Board (IRBs). It is a standard procedure that all projects involving human subjects undergo and receive IRB approval which includes collecting permission forms for those participating in the study. In line with IRB and ethical research practices, the CSAwesome and Mobile CSP projects ask that all participants complete consent and assent forms. These forms outline the purpose of the project, the data being collected, risks and benefits, and additional information.
Q: What if I have more than one student in the class?
A: The first permission form needs to be completed by a parent/guardian and the second by the student. If you have more than one child taking the class please complete this form for each student.
Q: What if the parent/guardian selects "I agree" but the student selects "I do not agree," or vice versa?
A: We will only use the data if "I agree" is selected by both the student and parent/guardian. Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) have the option to select different answers. Research is always voluntary and students will not be punished for not volunteering.
Q: Does a student who is over the age of 18 need their parent/guardian to sign the consent form?
A: Any student over the age of 18 can sign the consent form (they do not need a parent/guardian signature). However, we would recommend that instructors encourage students to make parents/guardians aware of the research project.
Student Workload
Student Workload
Q: If a student opts to participate will they have to complete more work?
A: Students who participate will complete the same assignments as those who do not participate. The course load will not be impacted by research participation.
Student Data Protection
Student Data Protection
More information about data protection and security can be found on the consent and assent forms.
Q: Who will have access to my student's data for this project?
A: Only the research team and your student's teacher will have access to the information collected from this project. Occasionally teachers may grant access to the information to teacher's assists or substitute teachers. Your student's information will be kept confidential. Any data will be reported in the aggregate and have identifying information removed.
Q: What do I do if I do not want my student to participate?
A: Student and their parent/guardian may choose not to participate by either not completing the permission forms or select "I do not agree" on either or both of the forms. We will not use student information in any final reports unless the "I agree" has been selected on both the consent and assent form.
Q: How can I withdraw my student from the project?
A: Parents may withdraw their student(s) from the project at any time by contacting csed@css.edu OR by contacting your students' teacher. Students also have the option to withdraw at any time.
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