Teaching Introductory Computer Programming Using Project-Based Learning with Sail()

Learn about our project-based learning (PBL) approach in computer science education. Workshop participants gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and trade-offs of PBL and its impact on student success, confidence, and identity. The workshop facilitators share their experiences with content design, instruction, and research. Participants receive hands-on experience in the student and instructor roles with the Sail() platform and reflect on the benefits and challenges of incorporating similar techniques into their teaching practice.

By the end of this workshop, learners can:

• Explain project-based learning and some of its advantages and disadvantages.
• Articulate tradeoffs between high and low scaffolding in computer science projects.
• Identify psychological factors that influence students’ likelihood to persist in computer science and related fields.

Christopher Bogart, System Scientist, Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University; Jaromir Savelka, Researcher Associate, Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University