Overcoming obstacles to CS education by using non-programming outreach programmes

Authors:
Tim Bell;Paul Curzon;Quintin Cutts;Valentina Dagiene;Bruria Haberman
Affiliations:
University of Canterbury, Christchurch, NZ;Queen Mary University of London, London, UK;University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland;Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania;,Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel
Venue:
ISSEP'11 Proceedings of the 5th international conference on Informatics in Schools: situation, Evolution and Perspectives
Year:
2011

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Abstract

Formal Computer Science curricula in schools are currently in a state of flux, yet there is an urgency to have school students exposed to CS concepts so that they can make informed decisions about career paths. An effective way to address this is through outreach programmes that can operate outside or in conjunction with the formal education system. We compare 5 successful programmes. Each downplays programming as a pre-requisite skill for engaging with Computer Science ideas. This makes them accessible in short bursts without formal curriculum support. The formats used include contests, shows, magazine articles, and resources for teachers. We compare the 5 approaches to draw out key ideas for successfully addressing a school student audience. This can be used as the basis for designing new outreach programs.