Computer Science (CS) Unplugged" is an educational method for introducing non-specialists to concepts of CS through hands-on activities that don't require the use of a computer. Often the deeper concepts of CS have been considered as being too difficult for elementary and middle school students, and many educators teaching "IT" are not even aware of the richness of the topic. CS Unplugged methods have been used successfully with students of a wide range of ages. In this paper, we analyze the structure of CS Unplugged activities to identify the elements that make them work well. Based on the analysis, we propose a design pattern which will be useful as a guideline for developing new activities, and to revise existing ones. We also describe our experience developing original teaching material, using the pattern as a benchmark for evaluation.
In this paper, we introduce the present situation of informatics and programming education at primary and secondary schools in Japan. Furthermore, we also explain post-2020 new informatics education. Previously, the importance of informatics education has not been recognized in Japan. However, with this educational reform, it is expected to start to change the attitude toward informatics education. In the New Course of Study, all elementary school students will experience programming and all high school students will learn informatics.
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