Youth Hackathons in Computing for the Community: A Design Case.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science Education
• Computational Thinking
• Youth Development Programs

Background:

• Schools aim to increase access to computational thinking and computer science for all students.
• Hackathons offer an engaging, problem-based approach to motivate learning in computing.
• Previous research highlights the potential of hackathons in educational settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a design case of a hackathon for teenagers.
• To document the iterative development of a youth hackathon over five iterations.
• To provide pedagogical and logistical resources for implementing hackathons.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a design case study approach based on naturalistic inquiry.
• Employed multiple data sources including peer debriefing and member checks.
• Focused on a hackathon enacted at a Southeastern public university with community-based problems.

Main Results:

• Detailed descriptions and design rationales of the youth hackathon's evolving features were generated.
• Teenagers collaborated in a mentor-supported environment to create software solutions.
• The hackathon successfully engaged participants in authentic computing problems.

Conclusions:

• The design case provides valuable insights into structuring and running youth hackathons.
• The study offers practical resources for educators and designers interested in similar initiatives.
• Hackathons can be an effective strategy for fostering computational thinking and computer science skills in teenagers.