Python Pioneers: A K-12 Just-in-Time, Culturally Relevant, Computational Thinking Based Python Learning Experience
摘要
This paper presents the results of a five-day, breadth-first, problem-driven educational approach designed to expose middle and high school students to Python and its applications across various fields. These fields include Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Information Age Technology, Computational Thinking, and Python Programming. The camp was designed to be engaging and accessible for middle and high school students, employing a just-in-time teaching approach. This method included information dissemination, hands-on projects, complex analysis at a K-12 level, theoretical examination, and practical real-world application. The emphasis on informal and just-in-time learning allowed students to apply newly acquired theoretical knowledge to practical contexts, thereby reinforcing their understanding and retention. Feedback from the study highlights increased engagement, improved understanding, and heightened interest in programming concepts and activities among the participants. The camp demonstrated increased engagement and confidence among students, serving as a model for integrating just-in-time learning, cultural relevance, and AI into K-12 education.