Enhancing Preservice Teachers' Understanding of Computer Science Through Practice-Based Simulations

• In Event: Simulations and Immersive Learning Experiences

Abstract

The growing need for authentic practice spaces to prepare pre-service teachers (PSTs) has resulted in a push for simulated experiences. Digital simulations can replicate teaching and learning environments while providing PSTs the opportunity to think, act, and reflect on their decisions. This study explores ways PSTs (N=55) conceptualize their role and responsibility toward the integration of computational thinking (CT) in K-8 contexts before and after participating in a technology integration course that utilized digital simulations. Open-ended responses from a simulation titled, I’m Just a Classroom Teacher - CS is Not my Job, were coded based on emergent themes. Findings indicated that PSTs conceptualized CT in relation to their own professional growth and development and to their students' growth and development.

Authors

• Bataul Alkhateeb, University of Delaware

• Chrystalla Mouza, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Scott Sheridan, University of Delaware