Advancing Transferability of 21st Century Skills by Engaging Young Children in Computational Thinking Practices

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Eleven
  In Roundtable Session: Research on STEM in Early Childhood (Table 6)

Abstract

This research examined kindergarten through second-grade children display of computational thinking (CT) while they were engaged in a coding activity on an iPad. The CT and coding behaviors exhibited used using a validated coding instrument, The Observation of Coding Behaviors (OCB). This was a formative study to identify a link between CT and coding activities that are developmentally appropriate for young children. During the hands-on activity, children exhibited positive behaviors towards coding. This research is significant since it contributes to teachers’ knowledge of age-appropriate use of technology and the need to practice 21st century skills in early childhood classrooms.

Author

• Peggy S. Lisenbee, Texas Woman's University
  Presenting Author