What do gifted students expect from the information technology course?

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the perspectives of gifted students on computer and to reveal their expectations and suggestions regarding the scope and operation of the courses they will take in the field of information technologies. In this context, it was tried to determine the students' interest in the computer, their evaluation of the information technologies they took in the past and what subjects they want to improve themselves in this field. Within the scope of the research conducted in qualitative design, a meeting was held in which 6 faculty members who are experts in the field of Computer and Instructional Technologies Education, 5 teachers working in the Science and Arts Center and 13 students of different age groups attending the Science and Arts Center were brought together. Faculty members answered current questions by providing up-to-date information on their areas of expertise. Various applications have been carried out with the participation of teachers and students, focusing on the use of up-to-date hardware and software. After the meeting, written opinions of the students about computer thoughts, which topics they want to improve themselves and their suggestions for Information Technologies courses were taken. The data obtained from the video recording and written forms made during the meeting were analyzed and the findings were reached. Students mostly want to improve themselves on programming and coding and to be a designer, not a user of ready-made software in their areas of interest. There is an expectation that courses in information technology include programming, game development, animation / cartoons, use of different software and hardware, algorithm, 3D modeling / graphic design and recognition of current technologies. BÄ°LSEM teachers stated that students can take Information Technologies courses individually or in small groups according to their interests, and that the courses to be given by the academic staff will be beneficial. Keywords: Gifted students, Computer, Information Technologies course, BÄ°LSEM