Hackathon for Learning Digital Theology in Computer Science

Hackathon is an event where programmers and subject field specialists collaborate intensively in teams with the ultimate aim to create and design fresh ICT (information and communication technology) based solutions to a given task in a limited time. In this study, we analyzed students' perceptions and experience in a hackathon where they were to design a concept for an application aimed at people that are preparing for their own death. The hackathon was part of a Digital Theology (DT) course at the university for Computer Science (CS) students. A group of 12 students participated in the event. The participants were divided into three groups. The assignment was presented to all the groups to brainstorm and create a mock-up artefact suitable to tackle the challenge. In the end, each group presented their solution. Due to the limited number of students, we applied descriptive statistics rather than exploring into inferential statistics to analyze the data. By collecting data through questionnaires and interviewing the participants, we concluded that the use of hackathon helped to achieve the learning goals of learning DT. The students expressed their satisfaction in the fact that it provided them with motivation to learn through practice. Also, students agreed that the event helped them to think collaboratively for a refined ideas. The overwhelming satisfaction expressed by the students goes to confirm that hackathon brings out the best creative skills from people through problem-solving.