Can K-12 students learn how to program with just two hours?

Abstract

This paper presents results of analyzing almost 1500 students’, from ages 6 to 18, feedback and test results to a two hour long programming workshop using LEGO Mindstorms kits. Students had very little or no previous programming experience. At the end of the workshop they were asked how the workshop affected their interest towards engineering in general, robotics and programming. They were also asked list of theoretical question about concepts and ideas learned during the workshop. Students’ answered were analyzed according to genre, age and school type. As a result, it can be concluded that two hours of intense programming workshop gives students similar basic understanding about programming concepts as other students with previous experience have. Primary school students were most excited about the workshop and stated highest positive change as a result of the workshop. On the other hand, they lacked ability to understand programming concepts. Therefore students between ages 11–12 and 16–18 benefit most from the workshop as they have high interest and they also are able to comprehend theory. Type of school student attends does not affect the results. Girls have lower previous interest towards three considered fields before the workshop and they have slightly lower results than boys.