Collaboration in the Human Sciences

Computational thinking in kindergarten: Developing programming concepts with the programming environment ScratchJr

The development of modern digital literacy , as a basic skill of the 21st century, does not simply encompass the acquaintance of students with technologies, but it mainly concerns the development of abilities combining uses of digital tools and algorithmic based technologies such as robotics and programming environments. By using such environments students and especially preschoolers develop high order skills such as structured and critical thinking as well as problem-solving skills that contribute to the development of their computational thinking. The purpose of this study is to investigate if preschool children can actually obtain these kind of skills through programming and interacting with programming and age appropriate environments such as Scratch Jr that it has been proved to been designed with a developmentally appropriate interface and methods of interaction for early childhood educators. 

Authors

  • Helen Kolovou - k.eleni95@gmail.com
  • Marina Vasiliki Giannitsi - marinagiannitsi@gmail.com

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