Scalable Team-Based Learning – Structure Editor, GUI Editor and Teacher Dashboard

Parents, teachers, administrators, and senior governments all recognize the importance of K-12 Computer Science (CS) education in preparing tomorrow’s citizens for both future job opportunities and social issues caused by information technology. For example, Ontario’s 2020 math curriculum adds both coding and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). McMaster Start Coding (http://outreach.mcmaster.ca) is one outreach program who has delivered coding instruction and mentorship to thousands of children every year. The charity Fondation STaBL Foundation was established to develop tools capable of scaling this activity up to millions of children, and ensure that every child graduating from grade 8 has the math skills required to succeed in high school algebra, and that they can use those skills in software development.

In this project, we will develop or improve prototypes for three of these tools: (1) a structure editor for Elm, which bridges the gap between block-based coding like Scratch in the primary grades, and the textual languages used by professionals, (2) a drag-and-drop editor for user-interface elements like buttons, scroll bars, and menus, and (3) a dashboard where teachers and mentors can see at a glance how their class or project team are progressing so they can direct their resources to children most in need of their aid.

Faculty Supervisor:

Denise Geiskkovitch;Spencer Smith;Richard Paige;Richard Paige;Denise Geiskkovitch

Student:

Partner:

Fondation STaBL Foundation

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Education

University:

McMaster University

Program: