A Qualitative Study Exploring Robots as a Potential Classroom Tool for Teaching Computational Thinking within a Sixth-Grade Class

Autor/in	Munn, Carol
Titel	A Qualitative Study Exploring Robots as a Potential Classroom Tool for Teaching Computational Thinking within a Sixth-Grade Class
Quelle	In: Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 40 (2021) 3, S.229-264 (36 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0731-9258
Schlagwörter	Robotics; Grade 6; Units of Study; Science Instruction; Educational Philosophy; Constructivism (Learning); Teaching Methods; Instructional Innovation; Computer Science Education; Class Activities; 21st Century Skills; Interdisciplinary Approach; Concept Formation; Pattern Recognition; Thinking Skills; Abstract Reasoning; Decision Making; Coding; Computation; Programming; Computer Software + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Robotertechnik; School year 06; 6. Schuljahr; Schuljahr 06; Lerneinheit; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Bildungsphilosophie; Erziehungsphilosophie; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Educational Innovation; Bildungsinnovation; Computer science lessons; Informatikunterricht; Fächerübergreifender Unterricht; Fächerverbindender Unterricht; Interdisziplinarität; Concept learning; Begriffsbildung; Mustererkennung; Denkfähigkeit; Abstraktes Denken; Denken; Decision-making; Entscheidungsfindung; Codierung; Programmierung
Abstract	This paper explores Computational Thinking (CT) through the experiences and interactions of sixth-grade students as they were engaging in a science lesson utilizing robotics. This robotics unit institutes the shifting from traditional to engaging hands-on activities coupled with CT skills that are exciting, intriguing, and inviting to students. The constructionist philosophy, hands-on application learning, addresses social skills like collaboration, communication, and teamwork to provide an authentic, real-world learning experience. CT brings to the classroom exciting and innovative activities that infuse robotics with hands-on application platforms in the science and mathematics curriculum, but the education system has missed a core set of young open-minded eager students at the intermediate school level. With today's vision in education focusing on the 21st-Century learner, CT is emerging as a key component in the skill set necessary for the new generation of learners. CT poses a strong ideology based on problem-solving equally conveying an essential position in cross-curricular classroom activities. This session exposes CT through a study relating experiences and interactions by students when engaging in a science lesson utilizing robots. Focusing on how students engage the CT key concepts of: (1) abstraction; (2) decomposition; (3) pattern recognition; and (4) algorithm when participating in robotics activity. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 719, Waynesville, NC 28786. Tel: 828-246-9558; Fax: 828-246-9557; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01