D&D - Computational Thinking

Full Session: Concurrent Session

Short Description

Abstract 1: This presentation will describe the design and development process of a six- weeks long online asynchronous professional-development course for K-12 teachers to learn programming skills using game-based approach. The aim of this developmental research is to evaluate the efficacy of game-based approach in mastering the most complicated subject matter, computer programming. The presentation will also report the findings of the formative evaluation based on instructional designers’ reviews and learners’ feedback in a small group intervention.

Abstract 2: This paper explores design strategies for STEM educators to foster students’ abstractions in computational thinking. Computational thinking is the keystone for students’ STEM literacy, and abstractions are the essence of computational thinking, but previous endeavors of empowering students’ abstractive thinking are fruitless. The paper revisits the significance of abstractions in computational thinking and provides efficient design strategies for K-12 STEM educators. Professionals and academics investing in STEM education may benefit from this session.

Sub Unit

• Design and Development

Submissions

• Learning Computer Programming Using Game-based Approach: A Design and Development Research - Zahira Merchant, San Francisco State University

• Tracing the Essence: Ways to Develop Abstractions in Computational Thinking - Yingxiao Qian, The University of Georgia; Ikseon Choi, The University of Georgia