Evaluation of KodlaManisa Project in terms of science course curriculum, project consultants and student opinions: The case of Manisa province

In this age, the importance of computer and information technologies is increasing. For these reasons, coding education stands out as an education which is tried to be integrated to all levels of education programs. Especially, it is observed that robotic coding education is given to children in the scope of other courses and various special courses and programs from an early age. In this context, KodlaManisa project, which operates within the scope of Manisa province, stands out among the robotic coding activities in our country. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate robotic coding education from the perspective of teachers and students. Information Technology (IT) teachers working in various public elementary schools in Manisa province, educating in robotics and coding and working in KodlaManisa festival; and students studying in various public elementary schools in Manisa province, participating in robotics and coding and participating in KodlaManisa festival participated in the study. In this context, a questionnaire and interview form were conducted on 34 Information Technology teachers and 177 students. From the data obtained, a quantitative and qualitative analysis was carried out. In the research, mixed design was used in which the obtained data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. As a result of the study, it is determined that the opinions of both students and teachers towards the organization of KodlaManisa festival are very positive. It is observed that students stated that robotic coding education especially contributed to Mathematics, Science, English and Social Studies courses, students see their teachers as their biggest helpers in robotics and coding trainings and the lack of resources, equipment and infrastructure was seen as the biggest problem by teachers and students. Finally some suggestions are given in the light of findings.