Share Paper: Evaluating robotics activities as an approach to motivate future teachers to use and teach programming
Abstract: Computer science concepts like programming are progressively being integrated into K-8 curricula (Google Inc. & Gallup Inc., 2016; Wilson et al., 2010). Principals and superintendents are frequently directing core subject teachers to integrate computer science concepts into their instruction (Google Inc. & Gallup Inc., 2016). However, research shows that teachers lack confidence and motivation in computer science due to their perceptions that computer science is difficult and abstract (Bower et al., 2017; Grover & Pea, 2013). Robotics have been used as physical manipulatives to make abstract concepts more concrete (Petre & Price, 2004) and motivate learners (Jaipal-Jamani & Angeli, 2017; ...