Sigcse 2015

An Analysis of User Engagement in Relation to Computing Workshop Activities

R. Menzies, University of DundeeM. Crabb, University of DundeeD. Herron, University of DundeeK. Petrie, University of DundeeC. Stewart, University of DundeeM. Zarb, Robert Gordon University

What is Computing?

Shortfall in CS Graduates

how does outreach compare to the classroom?

ARDUINO

WEB DESIGN

PROTOTYPING

MATHS IN GAMES

= +% *

Focussed attentionPerceived usabilityAestheticsEndurabilityNoveltyInvolvement

Small sample sizes

Cohen’s

D

Arduino Workshop

Baseline ARDUINO

Focussed Attention

Perceived Usability

Aesthetics

Endurability

Novelty

Involvement

ARDUINO

High aesthetic appeal

Reduced endurability

Enjoyed the challenge

Web Design Workshop

BaselineWEB DESIGN

Focussed Attention

Perceived Usability

Aesthetics

Endurability

Novelty

Involvement

WEB DESIGN

Reduced attention

Unfamiliar topic

Similar to classroom

PROTOTYPINGPrototyping Workshop

Baseline

Focussed Attention

Perceived Usability

Aesthetics

Endurability

Novelty

Involvement

PROTOTYPING

Reduced attention

Use of physical objects

highly interactive

MATHS IN GAMESMaths in Games Workshop

Baseline

Focussed Attention

Perceived Usability

Aesthetics

Endurability

Novelty

Involvement

MATHS IN GAMES

Increased aesthetics

Increased involvement

CS Unplugged

ARDUINOWEB DESIGNPROTOTYPINGMATHS IN GA

ARDUINOWEB DESIGNPROTOTYPINGMATHS IN GA

ARDUINOWEB DESIGNPROTOTYPINGMATHS IN GA

ARDUINOWEB DESIGNPROTOTYPINGMATHS IN GA

ONEIncrease attention & usability with theory-based activities

TWOIncrease aesthetics, involvement & endurability with interactive sessions

THREEEvaluating sessions using this method gives more detail than previous techniques

THANK YOU

r.menzies@dundee.ac.uk