High school computing clubs: a pilot study

While classes in IT skills are endemic, high school students in the UK rarely experience computer science. We present a pilot of a scheme that aims to go some way towards addressing this. Specifically, computing clubs were run on high school premises by high school teachers using material prepared by the University of Leeds School of Computing and supported by volunteer undergraduate mentors. Feedback suggests that the clubs were highly successful in their objectives of broadening understanding of the idea of a computer and introducing the concept of a computer program. School students, their teachers and the undergraduate volunteers all report an enjoyable, purposeful experience. Categories and Subject Descriptors K.3 [Computers and education]: Computer and IS education Keywords Programming, high school, IT skills

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: ITICSE
• Authors: Andrew Bennett, Joanna Briggs, Martyn Clark
• Keywords: Computer, ITICSE 2006, School Students, Volunteer Undergraduate Mentors