Teaching K-8 Students Computer Science Using Digital Storybooks

Abstract

This study introduces CodeKids, a novel web-based platform to teach computer science to elementary and middle school-aged students using interactive digital storybooks. Several books on the CodeKids website were created to target common misconceptions young students form when learning foundational computer science concepts, including variables, conditionals, and loops. The primary objectives of this research are to evaluate student engagement and perceptions of the storybook format and determine if the books help prevent common computer science misconceptions for K-8 students.