|
What is Math 4 ME? The Programming Workshop Conclusion Appendix: Materials Used in the Math 4 ME 2000 Programming Workshop |
Conclusion
The structure of the workshop encouraged personalized exploration, which the participants found enjoyable. The tutorials gave them some direction to guide them as they learned StarLogo. On the other hand, the ability to work at their own pace on the tutorials allowed them some time just to play around with StarLogo, and to make discoveries that were of personal interest. My role in the workshop, as a facilitator and a resource if the girls had questions or encountered problems, allowed me to fine tune this balance between structured and open exploration for each participant. The informal and hands-on atmosphere gave the campers an opportunity to learn from each other, and to sustain their enthusiasm for programming by sharing exciting discoveries with friends. However, since each girl had her own computer to work on and had to complete her own version of each tutorial, the campers developed a feeling of participation in the programming process and ownership over their final products that they would not have gained by watching others type commands in to the computer. Some of the campers found that such participation helped them to become more comfortable with computers and more confident in their ability to use computers, fulfilling one of the goals of the workshop. Of course, improvements could be made. I would make two major changes were I to hold this workshop a second time. First, using three different tutorials caused some unnecessary discontinuity in the workshop. Combining the instruction in programming, math, and gender equity into one tutorial with a central theme could make the workshop more successful. Second, when programming, it is all too easy to get carried away in the details of solving the immediate problem. Setting aside time each day for campers to engage in higher level reflection about the events of the day and the new ideas they encountered in their work would deepen their understanding of programming, the math involved, and the gender equity ideas set forth. This would help the girls get even more out of the workshop. I enjoyed developing and implementing this workshop. Each year I am always impressed with the campers' enthusiasm and energy in Math 4 ME. This summer, the girls were highly motivated in their individual and cooperative explorations of StarLogo, and learned a lot about programming in one short week! |