  Knowledge in Computer Science (CS) is essential, and companies have increased
their demands for CS professionals. Despite this, many jobs remain unfilled.
Furthermore, employees with computational thinking (CT) skills are required,
even if they are not actual technicians. Moreover, the gender disparity in
technology related fields is a serious problem. Even if companies want to hire
women in technology, the number of women who enter these fields is remarkably
low. In high schools, most teenagers acquire only low-level skills in CS. Thus,
they may never understand the fundamental concepts of CS, have unrealistic
expectations or preconceptions, and are influenced by stereotype-based
expectations. Consequently, many teenagers exclude computing as a career path.
In this research study, we present two promising concepts to overcome these
challenges. First, we consider alternative paths to enter the field of CS. In
2018, a voluntary lecture "Design your own app" at the University of Graz for
students of all degree programs was introduced. In total, 202 students
participated. We applied a Game Development-Based Learning (GDBL) approach with
the visual coding tool Pocket Code, a mobile app developed at Graz University
of Technology. The students were supposed to create simple games directly on
smartphones. The course received positive evaluations and led to our second
concept; In January 2019, we started to design a MOOC (Massive Open Online
Course) with the title "Get FIT in Computer Science". First, this course can be
used to encourage young women who have little to no previous knowledge in CS.
Second, it should help all teenagers to get a more realistic picture of CS to
its basic concepts. Third, teachers can use the course materials to lead high
school classes (Open Educational Resources). Finally, the MOOC can be accessed
by everyone interested in this topic.
