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Coding as another language: computational thinking, robotics and literacy in first and second grade

Authors:

Marina Umaschi Bers,

Emily RelkinAuthors Info & Claims

Computational Thinking in PreK-5: Empirical Evidence for Integration and Future Directions

January 2022

Pages 30 - 38

https://doi.org/10.1145/3507951.3519285

Published: 22 February 2022 Publication History

Abstract

This paper explores the integration of coding, CT and literacy by describing a study conducted with first and second grade classrooms in Norfolk, Virginia. A total of 667 students and 57 educators from eight elementary schools, as well as 181 students from two comparison schools participated in a curriculum called Coding as Another Language (CAL) that utilizes KIBO robotics, a developmentally appropriate kit which does not require keyboards or screens. CAL positions the teaching of programming as a symbolic system of representation, a tool for creative expression and communication. Thus, research questions regarding the relationship between students' coding and CT outcomes and their literacy skills were explored, as well as teachers' reactions to the experience, in particular regarding the integrating of teaching computer science and literacy in the early grades. Participation in the CAL-KIBO curriculum was associated with improvement in coding and unplugged CT skills. Baseline literacy skills were related to students' acquisition of CT skills. For example, students who had higher literacy scores at the beginning of the term were more successful in CT tasks. Furthermore, although teachers varied in their perceptions of integrating coding and CT with literacy, our findings suggest that these disciplines may share some cognitive and pedagogical overlap that has yet to be extensively explored in the early computing education field.

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Busuttil LVassallo DSchembri P(2025)Computational ThinkingEffective Computer Science Education in K-12 Classrooms10.4018/979-8-3693-4542-9.ch002(27-54)Online publication date: 24-Jan-2025
https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-4542-9.ch002
Deleonardis M(2024)Coding a scuola: un’esperienza nella scuola primariaCoding at schools: an experience in primary schoolIUL ResearchIUL Research10.57568/iulresearch.v5i9.5375:9(348-359)Online publication date: 28-Jun-2024
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Apelboim-Dushnitzky GTova O(2024)Promoting Letter-Naming and Initial-Phoneme Detection Abilities Among Preschoolers at Risk for Specific Learning Disorder Using Technological Intervention With Two Types of Mats: With and Without Target Letter FormsJournal of Educational Computing Research10.1177/0735633124127796762:8(2020-2041)Online publication date: 4-Sep-2024
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cover image ACM Other Books

Computational Thinking in PreK-5: Empirical Evidence for Integration and Future Directions

January 2022

104 pages

ISBN:9781450396158

DOI:10.1145/3507951

Editors:
Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich
Indiana University
,
Aman Yadav
Michigan State University

Copyright © 2022.

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Association for Computing Machinery

New York, NY, United States

Publication History

Published: 22 February 2022

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Cited By

Busuttil LVassallo DSchembri P(2025)Computational ThinkingEffective Computer Science Education in K-12 Classrooms10.4018/979-8-3693-4542-9.ch002(27-54)Online publication date: 24-Jan-2025
https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-4542-9.ch002
Deleonardis M(2024)Coding a scuola: un’esperienza nella scuola primariaCoding at schools: an experience in primary schoolIUL ResearchIUL Research10.57568/iulresearch.v5i9.5375:9(348-359)Online publication date: 28-Jun-2024
https://doi.org/10.57568/iulresearch.v5i9.537
Apelboim-Dushnitzky GTova O(2024)Promoting Letter-Naming and Initial-Phoneme Detection Abilities Among Preschoolers at Risk for Specific Learning Disorder Using Technological Intervention With Two Types of Mats: With and Without Target Letter FormsJournal of Educational Computing Research10.1177/0735633124127796762:8(2020-2041)Online publication date: 4-Sep-2024
https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331241277967
Yin SHoe-Lian Goh DQuek C(2024)Collaborative Learning in K-12 Computational Thinking Education: A Systematic ReviewJournal of Educational Computing Research10.1177/07356331241249956Online publication date: 5-May-2024
https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331241249956
Jacob SGillen BOjeda-Ramirez SBaek CBarrera CFranklin DWarschauer MPearson TStrickland CIsrael M(2024)Intersectional Factors that Influence K-2 Students' Computer Science LearningProceedings of the 2024 on RESPECT Annual Conference10.1145/3653666.3656091(21-29)Online publication date: 16-May-2024
https://doi.org/10.1145/3653666.3656091
Yuan JBrigandi CRambo-Hernandez KManley C(2024)Innovative ongoing support within a multifaceted computational thinking professional learning program improves teachers’ self-efficacy and classroom practicesComputers & Education10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105174(105174)Online publication date: Oct-2024
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105174
Metin ŞBaşaran MSeheryeli MRelkin EKalyenci D(2024)Adaptation of the Computational Thinking Skills Assessment Tool (TechCheck-K) in Early ChildhoodJournal of Science Education and Technology10.1007/s10956-023-10089-233:3(365-382)Online publication date: 2-Jan-2024
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-023-10089-2
Levinson TBers M(2024)Robotics in universal prekindergarten classroomsInternational Journal of Technology and Design Education10.1007/s10798-024-09905-6Online publication date: 1-Jun-2024
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Metin ŞKalyenci DBaşaran MRelkin EBilir B(2024)Design-Based Digital Story Program: Enhancing Coding and Computational Thinking Skills in Early Childhood EducationEarly Childhood Education Journal10.1007/s10643-024-01728-3Online publication date: 23-Aug-2024
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Bratitsis TTsapara MMelliou KBusuttil LVassallo DCallus JMeireles GKoliakou IKojok NSousa S(2024)Cultivating Computational Thinking in Early Years Through Board Games. The Cthink.it ApproachSmart Mobile Communication & Artificial Intelligence10.1007/978-3-031-56075-0_8(78-89)Online publication date: 20-Mar-2024
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