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Definition
Definition
Hackathons are time-bound, collaborative events often to create digital technologies. Participants engage is hackathons to learn something new or practice a skill, all in the process of fostering learning. In short, Hackathon are event where participants collaborate to solve a problem about a specifc topic or concept (Schulten & Chounta, 2024).
Potential Benefits
Potential Benefits
can foster interaction and collaboration for students who may ordinarily be isolated
foster soft skills such as problem solving, collaboration and communication
motivation for learning often conducted in a 'risk free environment where it is acceptable to make mistakes (Schulten & Chounta, 2024).
Oyetade et al., (2024) describe the following benefits of hackathons in education:
collaboration and teamwork
unlocking skills and value
enhancing learning
student engagement and motivation
Limitations and Risks
Limitations and Risks
whilst learning is encouraged, there is no specific learning outcome or objective to verify learning occured
Oyetade et al., (2024) describe the following challenges of hackathons in education:
cultural diversity in particular reaching consensus, confusion and complexity levels
resource and time constraints
adaption or adjustments for all students in a classroom as the hackathon may have a specific requirement for submission and participation that may not suit students with additional needs
Real-World Example 1
Real-World Example 1
At a hackathon, students design an AI tool to detect fatigue using webcam data. A student receiving learning support raises concerns about how neurodiverse students might be misinterpreted by such tools. This sparks a rich discussion on bias, consent, and inclusive design, leading to a revised prototype that includes student-controlled settings and opt-in features.
Real-World Example 2
Real-World Example 2
In a regional Queensland school, a hackathon is adapted with quiet zones, visual schedules, and noise-cancelling headphones. One student with sensory processing needs thrives as a team’s visual designer, using digital technologies to storyboard their solution. Teachers note increased engagement and peer collaboration.
Further Reading
Further Reading
Oyetade, K., Zuva, T., & Harmse, A. (2024). Evaluation of the impact of hackathons in education. Cogent Education, 11(1), Article 2392420. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2392420
Schulten, C., & Chounta, I.-A. (2024). How do we learn in and from Hackathons? A systematic literature review. Education and Information Technologies, 29(15), 20103–20134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12668-1
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