ELT: Teaching Computational Thinking using MineCraftEdu with Autism Spectrum Disorder Students

• In Event: Roundtables Wed3
  In Roundtable Session: ELT - Roundtables Wed3

Short Description

Adoption of computational thinking (CT) has increased in K-12 classrooms and is important for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. ASD children often have social skills deficits and lack training opportunities. However, the use of immersive digital environments for teaching social skills at a distance holds promise. We will investigate the use of MinecraftEDU with ASD students (Summer, 2016). Our focus will be the nature of learner-learner interaction, learner-computer interaction, and how MinecraftEDU influences computational thinking.

Authors

• Matthew Schmidt, University of Cincinnati

• Dennis Beck, University of Arkansas