To What Extent Are Elementary Teachers Using Universal Design for Learning? Do These Strategies Improve Computational Thinking Scores?

• In Event: Career and Technical Education Roundtable 1

Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) has become the cornerstone to many CTE pathways including Computer Science (CS) and Engineering.Like early natural language development, early CT is crucial to future success in CS and Engineering.We posit UDL strategies are effective for elementary educators to teach CT. Pre and post CT data were gathered.Data were analyzed to determine statistical significance in change of mean for students’ CT scores. Scores were juxtaposed with quantified UDL strategy use looking for trends in UDL use and changes in mean CT scores.All of the teachers observed used UDL strategies.The use of UDL strategies varied significantly.The teacher with the most strategies, also had the largest change in mean CT score.

Authors

• Jonathan L Montoya, University of California - Irvine

• Sharin Rawhiya Jacob, University of California - Irvine

• Mark Warschauer, University of California - Irvine