Exploring Collaborative Computational Thinking and Critical Thinking Through Epistemic Network Analysis

• In Event: Computational Analyses of STEM+C Learning

Abstract

Critical thinking and computational thinking are key 21st Century competencies leading to deeper learning and contributing to common good. In this exploratory study, we used Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA) as an analytic tool to better understand possible interactions and structural connections between these two constructs as elicited in an open-ended real-life task solved collaboratively by teams of high school students. Results provided a better understanding of the nature of these two constructs and its structural connections. While all teams elicited strong connections between critical thinking and computational thinking processes, the structural connections varied among teams. However, further exploration is needed on the design characteristics of open-ended tasks as potentially efficient learning environments simultaneously eliciting computational thinking and critical thinking.

Authors

• Guadalupe Carmona, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Beatriz Alejandra Galarza Tohen, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Gonzalo Martinez-Medina, The University of Texas at San Antonio

• Luis E Montero Moguel, University of Texas - San Antonio