Computational Thinking and Robotics

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Carol Munn
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Robotics Education ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Unique Framework ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
And Robotics ◽  
Mathematics And Science

This chapter explores a unique framework that expresses freshness and innovation within revolutionary learning experiences. The chapter focuses on the implementation of computational thinking skills as an essential element of a robotics education program that was driven by hands-on activities instilling the notion of imagination through innovative projects. Engineering design applications with robotics created an atmosphere in which students applied abstract mathematics and science concepts. The robot and its technology imploding in the field of education created excitement in the minds of students with renewed, revitalized interest, and curiosity stretching across the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Robotics education along with computational thinking skills are primary keys for unlocking the unlimited creative and innovative potential with engaging hands-on activities. Robots, a fascinating learning instrument, rejuvenate, animate, and revive 21st century skills in tech-savvy language familiar with today's students.

Computational Thinking and Robotics

2020 ◽  
pp. 90-115
Author(s):  
Carol Munn
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Robotics Education ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Unique Framework ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
And Robotics ◽  
Mathematics And Science

This chapter explores a unique framework that expresses freshness and innovation within revolutionary learning experiences. The chapter focuses on the implementation of computational thinking skills as an essential element of a robotics education program that was driven by hands-on activities instilling the notion of imagination through innovative projects. Engineering design applications with robotics created an atmosphere in which students applied abstract mathematics and science concepts. The robot and its technology imploding in the field of education created excitement in the minds of students with renewed, revitalized interest, and curiosity stretching across the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Robotics education along with computational thinking skills are primary keys for unlocking the unlimited creative and innovative potential with engaging hands-on activities. Robots, a fascinating learning instrument, rejuvenate, animate, and revive 21st century skills in tech-savvy language familiar with today's students.

Computational Expression

2021 ◽  
pp. 134-156
Author(s):  
Amanda L. Strawhacker ◽  
Amanda A. Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Stem Education ◽  
Visual Arts ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Fine Arts ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Pedagogical Approach ◽  
The Past ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
And Mathematics

In the past two decades, STEM education has been slowly replaced by “STEAM,” which refers to learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The added “Arts” portion of this pedagogical approach, although an important step towards integrated 21st century learning, has long confused policymakers, with definitions ranging from visual arts to humanities to art education and more. The authors take the position that Arts can be broadly interpreted to mean any approach that brings interpretive and expressive perspectives to STEM activities. In this chapter, they present illustrative cases inspired by work in real learning settings that showcase how STEAM concepts and computational thinking skills can support children's engagement in cultural, performing, and fine arts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, poetry, music, dance, and drama.

A Block-Based Arduino Programming Platform for Developing Computational Thinking Skills for K-12 Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binsen Qian ◽  
Harry H. Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Autonomous Vehicles ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Set ◽  
Programming Students ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Block Based ◽  
K 12 ◽  
And Robotics

Abstract As a critical set of skills in the 21st century, computational thinking has attracted increasing attention in K-12 education. Microcontrollers, combined with LEDs, actuators, and a variety of sensors, provide students countless real-world projects, such as autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and robotics. By solving those projects through programming, students will not only learn computational skills but also benefit from the hands-on activities to get some experience on solving real-world problems. It makes microcontroller projects a perfect tool to develop the computational thinking skills of K-12 students. Our previous work has proposed a solution for higher graders to program Arduino through Ch, a C/C++ interpreter. It is necessary, however, to develop a platform for lower graders (K-6) since most of them do not have the ability to type through the keyboard. This paper extends our previous work such that students can program Arduino on RoboBlockly, a block-based programming platform. In the paper, we will present two case studies to demonstrate how to build blocks to control the Arduino board and what concepts students will learn from those projects. In addition, the proposed platform also provides an interactive way of transitioning students from the block-based program to a text-based program in Ch.

Integrating Computational Thinking and Mathematics

2022 ◽  
pp. 175-196
Author(s):  
Marja Bertrand ◽  
Immaculate Kizito Namukasa
Keyword(s):  
Education Reform ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Learning Mathematics ◽  
Steam Education ◽  
Context Of Learning ◽  
And Mathematics

Globally, computational thinking and coding in schools has become more popular as well as a growing area of interest in education reform. Coupling coding with creative thinking promises to meaningfully engage students in their learning and to improve their coding and computational thinking skills. This prompts discussions about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), which promotes creativity and innovation through the integration of the arts in STEM subjects. This study addresses the following question: What mathematics and computational thinking do students learn through different models of STEAM education in non-profit and in-school contexts? A small sample was taken of four different STEAM programs in Ontario, Canada. We carried out a qualitative case study with 103 participants, 19 adults and 84 students. The findings from this study have implications for designing, implementing and researching K-8 STEAM programs that promote coding and computational thinking skills in the context of learning mathematics.

The Role of Executive Function and Self-Regulation in the Development of Computational Thinking

2021 ◽  
pp. 64-83
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Kazakoff Myers
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
School Readiness ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Early Childhood Curriculum ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter summarizes theoretical connections between computational thinking through learning to code, self-regulation, and executive function and discusses why it is important to continue exploring the intersection of executive function, self-regulation, and computational thinking, including the need to revisit the socio-cultural underpinnings of foundational self-regulation, executive function, and school readiness research. As an example, findings from a 2014 study that explored the relationship between self-regulation and computational thinking when learning to code are shared. Research supports the idea of teaching computational thinking skills within an integrated early childhood curriculum to support the development of well-prepared citizens for the 21st century by drawing on the connections between executive function, self-regulation, and computational thinking.

Computational Thinking and Mathematics

2016 ◽  
pp. 853-865
Author(s):  
Thiago Schumacher Barcelos ◽  
Ismar Frango Silveira
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Curriculum Guidelines ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The One

On the one hand, ensuring that students archive adequate levels of Mathematical knowledge by the time they finish basic education is a challenge for the educational systems in several countries. On the other hand, the pervasiveness of computer-based devices in everyday situations poses a fundamental question about Computer Science being part of those known as basic sciences. The development of Computer Science (CS) is historically related to Mathematics; however, CS is said to have singular reasoning mechanics for problem solving, whose applications go beyond the frontiers of Computing itself. These problem-solving skills have been defined as Computational Thinking skills. In this chapter, the possible relationships between Math and Computational Thinking skills are discussed in the perspective of national curriculum guidelines for Mathematics of Brazil, Chile, and United States. Three skills that can be jointly developed by both areas are identified in a literature review. Some challenges and implications for educational research and practice are also discussed.

Computational Thinking and Mathematics

2014 ◽  
pp. 922-934
Author(s):  
Thiago Schumacher Barcelos ◽  
Ismar Frango Silveira
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Curriculum Guidelines ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The One

On the one hand, ensuring that students archive adequate levels of Mathematical knowledge by the time they finish basic education is a challenge for the educational systems in several countries. On the other hand, the pervasiveness of computer-based devices in everyday situations poses a fundamental question about Computer Science being part of those known as basic sciences. The development of Computer Science (CS) is historically related to Mathematics; however, CS is said to have singular reasoning mechanics for problem solving, whose applications go beyond the frontiers of Computing itself. These problem-solving skills have been defined as Computational Thinking skills. In this chapter, the possible relationships between Math and Computational Thinking skills are discussed in the perspective of national curriculum guidelines for Mathematics of Brazil, Chile, and United States. Three skills that can be jointly developed by both areas are identified in a literature review. Some challenges and implications for educational research and practice are also discussed.

URGENSI PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS STEAM BAGI ANAK GENERASI ALPHA DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-104
Author(s):  
Yuni Dwi Suryani ◽  
Gustiana Yuantini
Keyword(s):  
Higher Order Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Higher Order Thinking Skills ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Scientific Investigations ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
And Mathematics

The Covid-19 pandemic is happening globally. The spread of the Covid-19 virus is so fast that it has finally caused major changes, especially in the world of education. Learning that was originally carried out face-to-face has now changed to learning from home. Early childhood who are growing and developing in the Covid-19 pandemic are included in the Alpha generation category. Alpha generation children are known as a digital natives. Since birth, Alpha generation children have a close relationship with the presence of technology. During the Covid-19 pandemic, technology was used for learning. Learning activities at home by float or do paper and pencil activities such as thickening letters make Alpha generation children tend to get bored easily. Alpha generation children like challenging activities by training their thinking power to be creative in getting things done. Based on the literature study conducted in this study, appropriate learning for Alpha generation children is STEAM-based learning. STEAM is integrated learning from the branches of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. STEAM-based learning is carried out by scientific inquiry. STEAM scientific investigations such as exploring, analyzing, and creating. Scientific investigations require children to use higher-order thinking skills in solving problems carried out by direct activities (hands-on minds on approach). This aims to encourage children to think critically, analytically, creatively, and innovatively and solve problems.Keywords: Covid-19, Alpha Generation, STEAM,

Learning Computational Thinking Development in Young Children With Bee-Bot Educational Robotics

2020 ◽  
pp. 289-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stamatios Papadakis ◽  
Michail Kalogiannakis
Keyword(s):  
Learning Experience ◽  
Interactive Media ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Educational Robotics ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Curricular Intervention ◽  
Excellent Tool ◽  
And Robotics

It is widely known that when used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media are effective tools to support learning and development. In recent years, there has been a push to introduce coding and computational thinking in early childhood education, and robotics is an excellent tool to achieve this. This chapter presents some results obtained in the development of a learning experience in computational thinking using Bee-Bot educational robotics. The experience involved 47 preschoolers of a kindergarten in Crete, Greece during the period 2019-2020. The study reports statistically significant learning gains between the initial and final assessment of children's computational thinking skills. It was found that children in the treatment group who engaged in the robotic curricular intervention performed better on CT tests. This finding shows that an enhanced teaching experience using robots was beneficial for improving young children's computational thinking skills. The implications for designing appropriate curricula using robots for kindergarteners are addressed.

Computational Thinking in Educational Digital Games

2021 ◽  
pp. 345-376
Author(s):  
Halil İbrahim Haseski ◽  
Ulaş Ilic ◽  
Ufuk Tuğtekin
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Digital Games ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Systematic Behavior

In our age, computational thinking is a required skill for the 21st century that guides individuals' systematic behavior towards resolving the problems they face. Today, it could be argued that one of the tools that could be used with the students to achieve this skill is the educational digital games. Literature review revealed no measurement tools that scrutinize the readiness levels of educational digital games for the students to achieve computational thinking skills. Thus, the present study aimed to develop a checklist to determine the competency of educational digital games in promoting the achievement of computational thinking skills determined by ISTE and CSTA (2011) by the students. It was considered that the developed measurement tool would facilitate the assessment of educational digital games for achievement of computational thinking skills and guide the designers. At the end of the study, recommendations for future research and applications are presented.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document