Impact of co-curricular activities during coding bootcamps in two undergraduate introductory programming courses

Abstract

The pilot project Coding Bootcamp emerged as an initiative developed within the Bachelor of Sciences in Computerized Information Systems Program at the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. The proposal was approved by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The primary objective of the research project was to strengthen students’ learning experiences in two introductory programming courses. The project began in April 2024, and two levels of the Coding Bootcamp were implemented during the academic year 2024–2025. The project integrated eight student mentors during that year to support their peers in the development of technical and professional skills. Twenty participants were recruited for each bootcamp, for a total of forty participants. A questionnaire was administered to assess the satisfaction of participating students and evaluate the impact of the bootcamp on their studies. A total of 38 responses were collected (95% response rate).  Overall, participants reported being fully satisfied with their experience in the bootcamp. In summary, the bootcamp not only positively impacted students’ academic and professional development but also fostered a sense of belonging and motivation that will contribute to their continued success in the technology field.