From Concept to Code: A Two-Day Workshop for Secondary Students on Computational Thinking and Programming

Abstract

Introducing programming and informatics concepts to the next generation of computer scientists is essential. This experience report presents a detailed overview of a two-day informatics workshop for 134 Austrian school kids, ages eleven to thirteen. The workshop program consists of several unplugged activities about algorithms, AI, robotics and coding and block-based programming using Scratch and Sphero BOLT. We evaluated feedback from 110 participants regarding their experience of these two days. Many children reported a significant gain in knowledge. We will also explain the pupils’ favourite activities and educational concepts in detail. This report also covers the experience of the ten workshop leaders of the past two days. The workshop was widely positive received and the participants reported a high interest in computer science.