Culture-centric computational embroidery as a medium for learning computer science

Background and Context Many media have been used to teach computing in a culturally responsive manner, including art, dance, philosophy, and e-textiles.Objective Computational embroidery (CE), which involves programming an embroidery machine to embroider designs onto fabric, is a promising new medium, but prior work has yet to explore how it shapes learning and instruction.Method To explore how this new medium-shaped learning and teaching, we taught a six-week CE class to high school students that explored culture, embroidery, and computing. We used qualitative thematic analysis of student and instructor reflections and student work.Findings We found that students leveraged CE to make the work they wanted to while entangling their identities and their cultures. CE enables students to learn computing by doing meaningful work, which supports their personal programming growth and identities.Implications These findings demonstrate the potential learning opportunities of using CE to facilitate meaningful, culturally responsive learning experiences that promote technical, creative, and cultural literacy.