Developing a Robotics Program to Support Students' Computational Thinking and Preservice Teachers' Self-Efficacy

• In Event: Investigating Computational Thinking

Abstract

To broaden participation in robotics education, a free, after-school robotics program has been designed and developed at a public university. As part of a longitudinal study, this paper reports the first iteration of the program, offered to 12 upper elementary and middle school students in spring 2022. Three preservice teachers were trained as co-facilitators. Applying the design-based research model, we conducted a literature review to identify preliminary design principles for the robotics program, applied these principles to design specifications, and implemented the program with its first cohort of students. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from multiple sources. Findings reveal that students’ and preservice teachers’ had positive program experience and demonstrated improved computational thinking and self-efficacy in teaching robotics.

Authors

• Qijie Vicky Cai, Towson University
  Presenting Author

• Huili Hong, Vanderbilt University
  Presenting Author

• Scot McNary, Towson University
  Presenting Author

• Liyan Song, Towson University
  Presenting Author