Clouds, Hacking and App Permissions: Model Lessons for Grades 5-7: Experience Report
Cyril Brom, Ondřej Petíř, Filip Děchtěrenko, Anna Drobná, Anna Yaghobová, Pavel Jeek, Kristina Volná, Kateřina Kačerovská · 2024
While computer science education extends beyond coding, there is a dearth of evidence-based instructional materials for teaching essential non-programming concepts. This study addresses this gap by designing and evaluating three 45-minute lessons for students in Grades 5-7 on cloud storage, hacking, and smartphone app permissions. The lessons leverage the constructivist ERR framework, which promotes active learning across three phases: evocation (activating prior knowledge), realization of meaning (presenting new information), and reflection (solidifying under-standing). Pre- and post-tests (N = 82) demonstrated significant learning gains for all three lessons (d = 0.69 - 1.49), showing the effectiveness of the lessons and, more broadly, the ERR framework applied in computer science education in Grades 5-7. The paper details the lessons such that they can be reused in other contexts and introduces an evaluation of the lessons, presenting valuable insights for both educators and researchers interested in developing effective computer science education resources.