Enhancing K-12 Educators’ Coding and Computational Thinking Skills and Values with a GenAI-Supported Online Module

• In Event: Building Teacher Capacity for AI: Self-Efficacy, Pedagogy, and Professional Development

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of an intervention, which is a self-paced, GenAI-supported online module, on K-12 educators’ self-efficacy and value beliefs in coding and computational thinking (CT). A total of 34 participants completed the learning module, including the embedded pre- and post-tests. Results showed significant improvements in teaching efficacy, value beliefs, coding self-efficacy, and CT self-efficacy. Coding and CT test scores also increased notably after the intervention. However, no significant correlations were found between self-efficacy measures and actual performance, suggesting that confidence and skills may develop independently. The findings highlight the promise of GenAI-assisted learning environments for enhancing teacher readiness in coding and CT while emphasizing the need to align confidence-building with skill acquisition.

Authors

• Seoljoo Kang, Purdue University

• Wanju Huang, Purdue University