Microtopia: Exploring the Impact of Interdisciplinary Projects on Ethnic Minority Female Pupils' Perceptions of Computer Science

TL;DR

Microtopia is an interdisciplinary program that combines coding, design thinking, and key technologies to improve ethnic minority girls' perceptions and motivation in computer science, emphasizing sustainability and global challenges.

Contribution

This study introduces Microtopia, a novel interdisciplinary approach integrating AI, IoT, and Robotics with cultural themes to enhance CS engagement among minority girls.

Findings

Significant increase in students' confidence and enjoyment.

Enhanced motivation when CS is linked to sustainability.

Positive shift in perceptions of CS relevance.

Abstract

This paper presents Microtopia, an interdisciplinary programme designed to broaden participation in computer science (CS) among ethnic minority girls. The programme combined coding with design thinking activities, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics as key technologies. Learning activities were formulated around the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Chinese Five Elements philosophy to support problem-based learning. Pupils were organised into "nations" and engaged in sector-based projects (e.g., healthcare, transportation, fashion, tourism, food, architecture). Using pre- and post-questionnaires, we investigated how socioeconomic and ethnocultural factors influenced pupils' preconceptions of CS, and whether participation in Microtopia shifted their perceptions. Through statistical analysis of the questionnaire data, we identified significant increases in students' confidence, enjoyment, and motivation, particularly when computing was presented as relevant to sustainability and global challenges.