Abstract
This work examines the application of high-quality pedagogical practices in the design and implementation of an after-school physical computing program aimed at providing middle school students with access to computer science (CS) education. It subsequently examines how the program influenced students’ learning of CS concepts and attitudes towards computing. The program was designed and implemented through a school-university partnership, and 66 middle school students voluntarily participated. There were two cohorts of students in the study. Results indicate that the program had a positive impact on students’ understanding of CS concepts. Further, a significant impact on attitudes towards computing was documented among students in the second cohort. Implications are drawn for the design of informal after-school programs aimed at broadening participation in computing.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2023 |
Editors | Elizabeth Langran, Paula Christensen, Jarrod Sanson |
Place of Publication | New Orleans |
Publisher | Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE) |
Pages | 2316-2326 |
Number of pages | 11 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781939797681 |
State | Published - Mar 2023 |