IRMA-International.org: Creator of Knowledge
Information Resources Management Association
Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

Computational Thinking and Young Children: Understanding the Potential of Tangible and Graphical Interfaces

Computational Thinking and Young Children: Understanding the Potential of Tangible and Graphical Interfaces
View Sample PDF
Author(s): Amanda Sullivan (Tufts University, USA)and Marina Umaschi Bers (Tufts University, USA)
Copyright: 2018
Pages: 15
Source title: Teaching Computational Thinking in Primary Education
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Huseyin Ozcinar (Pamukkale University, Turkey), Gary Wong (University of Hong Kong, China)and H. Tugba Ozturk (Ankara University, Turkey)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-3200-2.ch007

Purchase

View Computational Thinking and Young Children: Understanding the Potential of Tangible and Graphical Interfaces on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

Over the past few years, new approaches to introducing young children to computational thinking have grown in popularity. This chapter examines the role that user interfaces have on children's mastery of computational thinking concepts, programming ability, and positive interpersonal behaviors. It presents two technologies designed specifically for young children: the KIBO robotics kit and the ScratchJr programming application, both of which focus on teaching young children introductory computational thinking skills in a cognitively and socio-emotionally developmentally appropriate way. The KIBO robotics kit engages children in learning programming by using tangible wooden blocks (no screens or keyboards required). ScratchJr also teaches foundational programming, but using a graphical language on a tablet device. This chapter presents examples of how each tool can be used in classroom settings and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each interface style. Suggestions for implementing each technology in a developmentally appropriate way are presented.

Related Content

Pamela Segura. © 2024. 9 pages.
Carolyn M. Lane, Patricia E. Lane. © 2024. 19 pages.
Nicolas A. Kennedy, Erin O'Connor Marsano. © 2024. 21 pages.
Elbert Hawkins III. © 2024. 22 pages.
Matthew D. Rice. © 2024. 26 pages.
Jason Ross Brown. © 2024. 24 pages.
Altagracia Montilla. © 2024. 9 pages.
Body Bottom