High school computing clubs: a pilot study

ABSTRACT

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.

REFERENCES

• 1: British Computer Society. Offshoring: A challenge or opportunity for British IT professionals. Swindon, 2004.
• 2: E-skills UK and Gartner Consulting. IT insights: Trends and UK skills implications. London, 2004.
• 3: G. Lovegrove. BCS proposal to HEFCE: Widening participation preliminary work to increase the supply of IT students, 2005.
• 4: A. Mitchell. Computing science: What do pupils think? available at: http://www.ics.heacademy.ac.uk/student retention/workshops/pres/Alison%20Mitchell.ppt. {accessed 10.1.06}, 2005.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education

Keywords:
IT skills, computer science education, high school, programming