Introducing Computer Engineering Curriculum to Upper Secondary Students: An Evaluation of Experiences Based on Educational Robotics

Abstract

This paper reports a study about the usefulness of guidance experiences offered at the University of Genoa to upper secondary students. The goal of the experiences is to provide students with sufficient knowledge to choose a university curriculum in Computer Engineering with an improved confidence. Unlike traditional methods, the key aspects are not presented in an information-oriented way, but relying mainly on a hands-on robotic course which exposes students to the basic principles of programming, automation and embedded systems. The results suggest that the experience enhanced students' specific knowledge and skills, and helped them in making up their minds as far as continuing their university studies in Computer Engineering is concerned.