The Effects of Themed Starter Scratch Projects on Creativity in Introductory Programming Lessons

• In Event: Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Creativity and personal expression are important parts of helping young students have positive early computer science experiences. In this work, we look at how creativity is impacted when students are provided with themed starter Scratch projects that are bundled with sprite and backdrop images but not code. To explore this question, we use qualitative analysis to examine differences in theme and the use of sprites/backdrops across classrooms that did and did not use starter Scratch projects within the same curricular module. This work contributes to the growing literature on how to introduce young students to the powerful ideas of computing in accessible and effective ways.

Authors

• Merijke Coenraad, University of Maryland - College Park

• Jennifer Palmer, University of Chicago

• David Weintrop, University of Maryland - College Park

• Donna Eatinger, University of Chicago

• Diana Franklin, University of Chicago