<!-- This slide is blank to show the CERN logo. Hit "s" during presentation for speaker mode (see the notes). --> --- # Unplugged Computing for Children *CHEP2019, Adelaide* ###### Authors: Maria Alandes Pradillo (CERN), Eszter Badinova (CERN), Natalie Kane (CERN), Simona Kriva (CERN), Hannah Short (CERN) --- # What? "Unplugged" programming refers to programming without a computer. --- # Why? * Strong **demand** for computing tutorials for children from parents and the general public * Many individuals working in Computing are keen to encourage the **next generation** and address **pipeline diversity** issues * Bringing computers adds logistical difficulty, cost, distraction and is an extra learning curve for some children * Enables high degree of interaction with participants --- # How? Tutorials developed primarily for 6 - 9 year olds. In **French** and **English**. | Tutorial | Summary | | --- | --- | | Introduction to Programming | Participants learn about logic, loops and conditional statements using only paper components. | | What's inside a Computer? | A basic introduction to Memory, CPU and graphical processors. Participants build a paper model. | --- # Introduction to Programming * Based on [1,2,3 Codez](https://www.fondation-lamap.org/fr/123codez), a French project to introduce students and teachers to computer science * Supported by the foundation La main à la pâte, created in 2011 by the Académie des sciences and the Ecoles normales supérieures de Paris et de Lyon * Participants take home a **booklet** containing further exercises ---  ---  --- # What's inside a computer? * Inspired by [Hello Ruby](https://www.helloruby.com/teach) Tutorial, [My First Computer](https://blog.helloruby.com/post/131553874873/for-educators-lesson-plan-for-my-first-computer) * Role playing game extensions developed by CERN volunteers * Participants take home a **paper model** of a computer ---  ---  --- # Who? The Women in Technology Community at CERN has been driving this initiative. Visit [cern.ch/wit/outreach](https://cern.ch/wit/outreach)  --- # What have we done so far? During 2019 we have tutored approximately 450 children. Volunteer pool of men and women comprised of CERN members and alumni. * March 9: [Semaine de L’Egalité](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/robotique-programmation-et-droits-pour-les-filles-tickets-54708612934#) (~80) * April 25: [Girls in ICT Day](https://indico.cern.ch/event/801284/) (~50) * September 14-15: [CERN Open](https://opendays.cern/site/meyrin/activities/robotics-and-programming-workshop-children) Days (~250) * October 5: [EU Code Week](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/programming-robotics-and-rights-for-girls-at-eu-code-week-enfr-tickets-66760018011) (~80) --- # Lessons learnt * Wide variation in computer literacy, must be able to adapt to children's level * School curriculum * Parental Engagement * Interested children return - more material needed! * Time consuming - incentives (e.g. free T-Shirt, recognition as official CERN activity...) aid volunteer recruiting * Children and parents want to continue at home, more awareness needed of available resources --- # Next Steps * Continue and expand to older age groups * Hope that Science Gateway (see [Poster](https://indico.cern.ch/event/773049/contributions/3475417/)) will provide venue and resources for sustained workshop agenda * Workshop material to be improved and made available --- # Get involved! Have ideas to share? Want to collaborate? Looking to volunteer? * Visit https://women-in-technology.web.cern.ch/outreach * Contact wit-matters-sc@cern.ch *P.S. Outreach activities enhance all CVs!* ---