Going beyond digital literacy to develop computational thinking in K-12 education

• Published in: Epistemological Approaches to Digital Learning in Educational Contexts pp. 17 - 34
• Main Authors: Menon, Divya, Sowmya, BP, Romero, Margarida, Viéville, Thierry
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Routledge 2020; Taylor & Francis Group; Taylor&Francis (Routledge)
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Computer Science; Education; Humanities and Social Sciences; Other; Learning Sciences Perspective; Video Modeling Procedures; Logical Thinking; Increasing Learner Motivation; Traditional Learning Groups; ANR; Worldwide Initiatives; Multimedia Learning Theory; Interdisciplinary Learning Community; LEGO Robots; Knowledge Assessment Tests; Knowledge Acquisition; Literature Review; Educational Robotics; Competency Based Education; Cognitive Learning Objectives; Unplugged Activities; Advanced Learning Experience; ISTE; CT Skill; Algorithmic Thinking; Discipline Based Education Research; Control Robots; Formal Coding System; 21st-century skills; computational thinking; Unplugged activities; Creative programming; educational robotics; coding for young learners
• ISBN: 9780367333799; 0367333791
• DOI: 10.4324/9780429319501-2

In the past decade, digital learning has contributed to the transformation of K-12 education by using a variety of technology-enhanced pedagogical approaches, and it helps understand the basics of computational thinking (CT). In the area of CT for young learners, educators are experimenting with digital or digital-inspired methods to go beyond digital literacy, towards also improving other skills, such as problem-solving, logical thinking, and abstraction. By improving these skills, we aim to empower learners with the required knowledge as technology users and to aid in mastering the technology to develop their creative and citizenship potential through them. This chapter will provide a literature review on studies conducted to teach computer programming and computational concepts to K-12 students using visual programming tools, unplugged activities, and educational robotics while evaluating how it can also help improve CT skills.