"Walk, Walk, Walk": Identifying Computational Thinking in Embodied Models Through Movement

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring and Promoting Computational Thinking (Table 11)

Abstract

Computational thinking is becoming increasingly important as technology is becoming more integrated in everyday lives and most fields. We examine and expand upon three facets of computational thinking: 1) the practice of collaborative computational thinking within science, 2) the use of embodied computational models within science, and 3) methods for identifying collective engagement in embodied computational practice. Based on a study of 19 fifth-grade students using a mixed reality scientific modeling system (GEM-STEP: Generalized Embodied Modeling-Science through Technology Enhanced Play), we explore the emergence of collective computational thinking. We compare and contrast participation in embodied models. Through analysis, we identify a contribution to social computational thinking, collective computational thinking, and argue for its value in understanding abstract principles.

Authors

• Efrat Ayalon, Vanderbilt University
  Presenting Author

• Gabriella Anton, Vanderbilt University
  Presenting Author

• Noel D. Enyedy, Vanderbilt University
  Non-Presenting Author