The results from pre-program surveys of third graders from Washington Elementary STEM Magnet School who attended STEAM:CODERS’ Introduction to Coding courses during the 2024-25 season were illuminating.
100% of students replied they had used a computer prior to this course. 50% of students said they have a computer at home, but only 83% have internet access at home. 87% of students believed that computers could help with schoolwork, but only 75% responded that they would like to work with computers in a future career.
A standout finding is that for the majority of these underserved students, STEAM:CODERS was their first real exposure to computer science coursework, experiential learning, and the exciting possibilities the field presents. A mere 25% of students surveyed attended a computer science class prior to this course. STEAM:CODERS is an entry point for STEAM learning for youth in our community.
Post-course surveys indicate that roughly 95% of students were satisfied with/liked the course and 88% of respondents indicated that they would like to take additional computer classes. 86% of participants said they liked the available computer games. The percentage of students who believe that computers can help them with their schoolwork jumped to 100% on the post-course survey, compared to only 87% on the pre-course survey.
These hands-on opportunities not only taught computer science skills, but they also served as a practical demonstration of STEAM-related benefits.
