Share Paper: New Content for New Times: Pre-Service Teachers’ Exploration of Computer Programming in Educational Technology Coursework

  1. Chrystalla Mouza, University of Delaware, United States
  2. Soumita Basu, University of Delaware, United States
  3. Hui Yang, University of Delaware, United States
  4. Yi-Cheng Pan, University of Delaware, United States
Thursday, March 29 4:15-4:45 PM Wright

Abstract: This study investigates the development of computational thinking skills and knowledge in pre-service teachers after they were exposed to an educational technology course that incorporated engagement with visual-based programming. Quantitative data were collected through pre-post surveys on pre-service teachers attitudes and understanding of computational thinking. Qualitative data were collected through course artifacts such as pre-service teachers' reflections and lesson plans. Results revealed that the majority of the participants successfully integrated programming into suitable content areas. Yet, they struggled to indicate supported computational thinking concepts and practices in their proposed lesson plans. This research has implications for designing educational technology courses ...