Description of the project: This pilot project provides opportunities for students to engage with their studies, while enhancing their programming skills. The overall goal of this project is to enhance the student’s experience in two programming courses from their baccalaureate degree in Computer Science. The courses are Algorithms and Program Development I (COTI 3101) and Algorithms and Program Development II (COTI 3102). The project fosters student interest and learning in programming by developing Coding Bootcamps as co-curricular activities that offer students the opportunity to learn how to code in a variety of learning formats and schedules. Coding bootcamps included a mix skill-specific training, interaction with alumni and IT professionals, among others activities.
An online module for each bootcamp was designed using Moodle platform. Coding Bootcamp Level 2 included four main activities, which were developed and carried out during the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. In addition to this module, the project included four main activities: peer mentoring, a quiz bowl event, a company tour, and shadowing experiences. Other minor activities were also part of the bootcamp, including the opening and mentor sessions, the alumni challenge, the shadowing challenge, individual meetings with faculty, and the closing activity.
Presenter:
Dr. Diana M. López Robledo serves as an Associate Professor in the Business Administration and Computer Science Department at the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. She earned her DBA in Management Information Systems from Ana G. Méndez University, a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Florida International University, and a Bachelor’s in Computerized Information Systems from the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. She holds three Graduate Certificates from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, San Juan Campus: Digital Forensics, Digital Evidence and Auditing, and Database Security and Secure Operations. Additionally, she completed certifications as a Virtual Educator and Trainer for Virtual Educators from UPR Mayagüez. With over 15 years of experience teaching undergraduate Computer Science courses, Dr. López Robledo is also the Principal Investigator for the pilot project Unlocking Students’ Potential in Programming with Coding Bootcamps, an NSF-funded initiative.