Introducing Middle School Students to Basic Computer Programming Skills Using Web based App Inventor Application

摘要

Computer technology is one of the driving forces of the US economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that a 30% increase in demand for software developers by 2020 in the United States [1]. The BLS also predicts between an 18% to 31% growth in salaries in the various computer related professions. To get interest in the computer science field and fill these new jobs the Auburn University (AU) Laboratory for Education and Assistive Technology (LEAT) K12 research and inclusive outreach program developed an innovative App Inventor curriculum to teach the children basic computing skills.