SIGCSE Virtual 2026
Thu 12 - Sun 15 November 2026

This program is tentative and subject to change.

Block-based programming has become an essential entry point into computer science education by replacing fragile textual syntax with visible, composable program structures. Yet commonly used environments still assume access to a personal computer or tablet, while their sharing and collaboration features often assume reliable connectivity. We present BitBlocks, a fully offline, touch-based block-coding environment intended for novice K–12 learners in low-resource or infrastructure-constrained classrooms. Authoring and execution occur on an ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8 microcontroller with a 480×320 display. Learners browse categorized blocks, drag and snap them into connected stacks, select sprites and backdrops, and execute programs without a browser, account, network connection, or separate programming host. The educational goal is to make the complete author–run–revise cycle available on an inexpensive, individually programmable device rather than limiting participation to scheduled access to a computer laboratory. BitBlocks combines a UI-independent program model, flash-resident media, touchscreen-oriented events, and a lightweight interpreter. The current prototype supports core workspace interactions, local media selection, sprite movement, and early conditional logic.

This program is tentative and subject to change.

Thu 12 Nov

Displayed time zone: (UTC) Coordinated Universal Time change

21:30 - 22:20
Posters: Learners, Teachers, Access and Course DesignPosters at Posters R2
21:30
50m
Poster
Converting a Funding Crisis into a Professional Development Opportunity for PhD Students
Posters
Sourish Dhekane Georgia Institute of Technology, Max Hawkins Georgia Institute of Technology, Kefan Xu Georgia Institute of Technology, Bobbie Eicher Georgia Institute of Technology, Ana Rusch Georgia Institute of Technology, Nick Lytle
21:30
50m
Poster
Where Do CS Teachers Go? Exit Patterns and Foundational CS Access Using Statewide Administrative Data
Posters
Saikat Mukhopadhyay Marquette University, Dennis Brylow
21:30
50m
Poster
From For-Credit to Non-Credit: Preliminary Findings on Student Engagement, Access, and Perceived Value in Online Graduate Seminars
Posters
Ana Rusch Georgia Institute of Technology
21:30
50m
Poster
Scaffolded Innovation: Our Experience Teaching Design in CS1
Posters
Christopher W. Schankula McMaster University, Habib Ghaffari McMaster University, Spencer Smith McMaster University, Computing and Software Department, Christopher Anand McMaster University
21:30
50m
Poster
From Learning Objectives to Immersive Lessons: Using Generative AI to Author STEM Learning Experiences in Mixed Reality
Posters
Noah Austin Houghton University, Sophia Golden Houghton University, Babafemi Sorinolu Houghton University, Friday Joseph Agbo Willamette University
21:30
50m
Poster
Ethics-Infused Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Literacy for K-12 Students: Evidence from a Summer Program
Posters
Lola Cordero Willamette University, Jordan Fasolt-Holmes Willamette University, Friday Joseph Agbo Willamette University
21:30
50m
Poster
Investigating the Relationship Between Standards-Based Grading and Retention of Foundational Programming Concepts
Posters
Allyson Tan Troy High School, Jessica Yauney Stanford University
21:30
50m
Poster
BitBlocks: A Fully Offline Block-Coding Environment on a Microcontroller-Class Device
Posters
Aranis Das Stony Brook University, Shubhendu Das Steam Works Studio
21:30
50m
Poster
Investigating Women’s Intellectual Risk-Taking in Undergraduate Computer Science Classrooms
Posters
Shelby Clark Harvard Graduate School of Education, Madora Soutter Villanova University, Lynn Barendsen Harvard Graduate School of Education, Kirsten McHugh Harvard Graduate School of Education
21:30
50m
Poster
Towards Supporting Learners of Programming at a Cognitive Level: A Preliminary Study
Posters
Shaimaa Ali University of Western Ontario