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EarSketch, a Web-application to Teach Computer Science through Music (Abstract Only)

Published: 08 March 2017 Publication History

Abstract

Participants of the session will discover EarSketch (https://earsketch.gatech.edu), a free, web-based learning environment that teaches introductory computer science through music. It aligns with Computer Science Principles and has been used in a variety of other educational contexts as well, ranging from late elementary through College. EarSketch provides an in-depth introduction to computer science and programming through composing, producing, and remixing music with Python and JavaScript code. No previous knowledge or experience in music, Python, or JavaScript is required to begin learning or teaching with EarSketch. Results from pilot studies show that EarSketch facilitates student learning about computation and improves student engagement in computing through parameters such as self-confidence, motivation, or intent to persist. This trend is particularly true for female and minority students, who are underrepresented today in US computer science classrooms. EarSketch comprises a curriculum, teacher materials, a coding environment, a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), a sound database, and sharing tools. Fundamental computing concepts are introduced through curricular modules that teach how to place sounds, create rhythms, and manipulate effects, with a focus on popular genres such as hip hop and dubstep. The platform has over 77,000 users in computer science classrooms across the US and internationally. EarSketch receives funding from the National Science Foundation, the Scott Hudgens Family Foundation, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and the Google Inc. Fund of Tides Foundation.

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  • (2024)Engaging CS1 Students with Audio Themed AssignmentsJournal of Computing Sciences in Colleges10.5555/3665609.366562039:8(158-172)Online publication date: 17-May-2024

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Published In

cover image ACM Conferences
SIGCSE '17: Proceedings of the 2017 ACM SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education
March 2017
838 pages
ISBN:9781450346986
DOI:10.1145/3017680
Permission to make digital or hard copies of part or all of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. Copyrights for third-party components of this work must be honored. For all other uses, contact the Owner/Author.

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Association for Computing Machinery

New York, NY, United States

Publication History

Published: 08 March 2017

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Author Tags

  1. K-12 curriculum
  2. broadening computer science participation
  3. computer science principles
  4. digital audio workstation
  5. educational technology
  6. music
  7. steam

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  • Demonstration

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SIGCSE '17
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Acceptance Rates

SIGCSE '17 Paper Acceptance Rate 105 of 348 submissions, 30%;
Overall Acceptance Rate 1,595 of 4,542 submissions, 35%

Upcoming Conference

SIGCSE TS 2025
The 56th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education
February 26 - March 1, 2025
Pittsburgh , PA , USA

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Cited By

View all
  • (2024)Engaging CS1 Students with Audio Themed AssignmentsJournal of Computing Sciences in Colleges10.5555/3665609.366562039:8(158-172)Online publication date: 17-May-2024

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