'These Aren't The Droids You're Looking For' – or are they? Promoting computer science education by playing games with Star Wars droids and Minecraft characters

When asked “Why do you think more people don't study computing?” respondents stated that “it’s very difficult” and “math throws them off.” Despite a surplus of well-paid jobs, there is a lack of people studying... [ view full abstract ]

When asked “Why do you think more people don't study computing?” respondents stated that “it’s very difficult” and “math throws them off.” Despite a surplus of well-paid jobs, there is a lack of people studying IT at Third Level (Hays Ireland, 2018). There have been many attempts to determine why this is the case, with a significant focus on the alarming gender divide in computer science. However, it may be possible to sum it up with the survey comment that the “perception of computing is that you have to be a genius to do it”
 
The Hour of Code is a global initiative designed to demystify computer programming by providing an accessible and fun introductory activity, with a view to broadening participation in computer science. (Code.org, 2018) Faculty in the Dept. of Computing & Mathematics at WIT have facilitated a number of Hour of Code events since 2015 in order to encourage people to study computing. Participants use programming logic to solve puzzles in a game-like environment, whilst controlling a licensed character from popular culture (e.g. Star Wars’ BB8, Alex from Minecraft). In less than sixty minutes, participants are introduced to fundamental programming concepts such as variables, loops, functions and debugging. Does completing an Hour of Code alter this perceived level of difficulty?

Since May 2016, WIT staff have surveyed participants on their attitudes to studying computer science, immediately before and after completing an Hour of Code activity. The survey is based on a subset of questions from a major study undertaken by Gallup (on behalf of Google) concerning computer science education in the US. (Gallup, 2015).

The presentation will discuss participation in Hour of Code events, the survey results, related challenges/opportunities and personal reflections on the experience.

REFERENCES
Hays Ireland (2018) “Hays Ireland Salary & Recruiting Trends 2018.” Retrieved from https://www.hays.ie/salary-guide/
Code.org (2018) “Hour of Code”. Retrieved from https://hourofcode.com/ 
Gallup (2015) “Searching for Computer Science: Access and Barriers in U.S. K-12 Education” retrieved from https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/searching-for-computer-science_report.pdf