Coding logically: Using unplugged and digital tools to teach K-12 programming in academic libraries

At Texas A&M University- Central Texas, the university library has run free and ongoing coding logic camps for K-12 learners. In its first year, this camp was presented on a digital learning platform with the use of embedded videos, printable activities, coding word problems, and task-based scenarios for the Python language, as run in Trinket and Visual Studio Code. Participants were encouraged to post comments using discussion boards or utilize a virtual meeting room, open during specific weekday hours, to share questions with a student worker tutor. For subsequent years, we have hosted in-person sessions that incorporated simple robots, iPad programs, and Raspberry Pi devices with peripherals to help students build fundamental coding logic skills. In a four-day format, learners are introduced to algorithms, variables, strings, lists, conditional statements, loops, and functions through lesson scaffolding, which is built upon relatable examples and practical application of concepts. Students are seated next to partners to promote peer-based learning, but they are also provided support from the primary instructor during both unplugged and plugged activities. Each child leaves camp with a notebook of definitions, sample code, examples from working in pairs, and a desire to explore more text-based coding. We have piloted this program with smaller groups, but the concept is scalable, based on the number of devices available for hands-on engagement and the amount of instructors or support staff present to balance student-to-teacher ratios.