Factors Shaping K-5 Educators' Selection of Computer Science Tools for Classroom Integration (Poster 14)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 1:30 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Instructional Technology SIG Poster Presentations

Abstract

Recent efforts to integrate computer science (CS) into classrooms have led to an increase in professional development (PD) programs aimed at improving educators’ readiness. This study seeks to identify the factors influencing educators’ choices of CS tools for lesson planning after participating in a PD program. Nineteen educators participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed six main factors shaping their choices: (1) availability and access to the tool, (2) ease of use, (3) orientation and support from peers, (4) the tool’s capacity to enhance students' learning, (5) instructional capabilities of the tool, and (6) adaptability to student needs. The findings have implications for PD designers and policy makers as they seek productive ways of supporting CS integration in K-12 contexts.

Authors

• Santiago Ospina-Tabares, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Hilary Mead, University of Delaware

• Nitasha Mathayas, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Chrystalla Mouza, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Lori Pollock, University of Delaware