TEACHING COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING THROUGH ROBOTICS: SCIENCE & ART FORM

TitleTEACHING COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING THROUGH ROBOTICS: SCIENCE & ART FORM
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsBurrows, AC, Borowczak, M, Slater, TF, Haynes, CJ
JournalProblems of Education in the 21st Century
Volume47
Start Page6-15
Date PublishedNovember/2012
Type of ArticleOriginal article
ISSN1822-7864
Other NumbersICID: 1020829
Keywordscomputer science, engineering, robotics and teaching
Abstract

Is the field of computer science and engineering a strict discipline or an art form? The answer is both. Computer science and engineering concepts are typically found almost exclusively in collegiate engineering and technology programs. Given its importance across the 21st Century workforce, arguably these concepts should be taught at all pre-collegiate grade levels. This study, specifically focused on pre-collegiate teachers’ increased confidence and subsequent use of robotics, indicates that designed professional development (PD) focused on simple computer programming approaches (e.g. LEGO MindStorm® kits) can propel pre-collegiate teachers to integrate new, challenging computer controlled robotics into their instruction. Surveys, content knowledge quizzes, and artifacts show teachers readily developed sufficient confidence and knowledge in producing lessons embedded with computer programming and robotics. Targeted classroom-ready instruction and modifiable computer programs appear to enhance pre-collegiate teacher knowledge of and confidence in robotics use. Considering overall self-rankings and content, pre-collegiate teacher pre-post scores increased. With these results, the authors argue why approaching computer science as both a strict science and art form is essential in PD.

URLhttp://oaji.net/articles/2014/457-1413728810.pdf
DOI10.33225/pec/12.47.06
Refereed DesignationRefereed
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