Observing the Impact of Online Outreach Versus Face to Face Outreach

In this study, we present our observations and comparisons between onsite (face to face) and online outreach activities. These outreach activities were facilitated through our service-based learning course, the Technology Ambassador Program (TAP). The goal is to determine if the online outreach activities, which teach programming skills using online block-based coding platforms, can be as effective as the onsite activities, which use hands-on technologies to teach the same programming skills. Surprisingly, in analyzing self-assessed learning, engagement, and difficulty, we found that there was really no significant difference in the effectiveness of these activities. Online workshops can be very effective and engaging if designed and executed well.