Characteristics of learning spaces favouring

the development of computational thinking skills

(Pilot Study)

Mario ChiassonPh D. student, Université de Moncton

mariochiassson.com

@marioch

“The educator’s job is not

to prepare kids to do well

in class, but to do well in

life.”

– E L L I O T E I S N E R

Fast-Moving

World

Digital Hardware

Digital Collaboration Digital Highway

Digital Information

ICT

Revolution

Globalization Information & Communication Technology

Revolution (ICT)

Society went from connected to hyper-connected

redefining the global economy

–Friedman (2005)

– Lorenz & al. (2015)

Because of ICT, the industry has transformed their process and culture

of productivity in order to perform globally (Lorenz & al, 2015)

New spaces nurturing communication, collaboration,

and problem solving (Levy & Murnane, 2004)

2.0

Electrical

Industry

3.0

Automated

Industry

4.0

Digital

Industry

Industry Evolution

Industry Industry

1.0

Steam

Industry

Industry

School System School System School System ?

Industry

– Lorenz & al. (2015); Toner (2011); Cobo (2013)

–Toner (2011); Cobo (2013); Shailaja & Sridaran (2015)

The mismatch between formal education and

the challenges of innovative society

• What process was redefined due

to ICT?

• Amongst 21st Century skills what

are the essential skills that the

industry is now requiring?

• How did the education system

transform their learning culture?

• Which processes of the education

system were transformed to

improve students’ performances

(3r+skills)?

In what ways the characteristics of the learning space influence the process of

the development of computational thinking skills of students?

How can the characteristics

of the learning space

influence the process of the

development of

computational thinking skills

of students?

learning space

process

computational thinking

Goals

1 - Observe student’s Computational Thinking Processes (CTP) in

using coding software - (Pilot Study)

2- Identify the characteristics of learning spaces favoring the

development of computational thinking (CT) skills.

What is

Computational

Thinking Skill?

As part of the 21st century skills, CT is the

increasingly essential.

Brennan & Resnick, (2012); Denning, (2009); Bundy, (2007);

Djambong & Freiman, (2016); Korucu, Gencturk & Gundogdu (2017) ; Magana, Marepalli & Clark, (2011)

Research Context(Pilot Study)

Observe student’s Computational Thinking Processes (CTP)

in using coding software

School Board in South East

New Brunswick, Canada

Methodology

• 60 grade 6 students from 2 middle schools

• Swift Playground and Scratch

• Middle School Technology Education (MSTE)

• Pre & Post Questionnaire - 22 items

• 5 Months

• Monthly Interviews & Observations

Findings

Based on the analysis of the corpus

Love Coding Challenges•

Perseverance• & Determination

“I am so excited when I have to solve problem

using Swift Playground (…) I just can’t stop!”

• MSTE space was flexible, adaptable and

engaging.

• Collaborate with each other using different

resources and free navigation through different

areas of the learning space

“I love (Teacher’s name) class because we are free

to move anything”

Perception

ResearchExecution

Feedback

Human

Technologies

Evaluate

Definition of the problem

Approaches

Concepts

Discuss

DigitalPhysical

Community School

Confirm

Internal knowledge

Share

Consult

ResourcesInquire

Decision

Validate

Consolidate

Resources

- +

Chiasson (2017)©️

Toward the model of the process of CT

Next Step

Identify the characteristics of learning spaces favoring the

development of computational thinking (CT) skills.

What is

Learning Space?

Learning Space

Adaptable EngagingDiversity Multifunctional Technology-Rich

Learning Styles

Digital

Physical

Multi-Intelligences

Inclusive

Collaborative

Mobility

Multiple Configurations

Multi-Functions

Teaching Strategies

Fluid TransitionsClass

School

Community

Connectivity

Accessibility

Physical

Intellectual

Social

Writable

Dynamic

Empowerment

Based on the literature survey

Devices

Devices

Space

Diversity EngageantMultifunctional Technology-RichAdaptable

Perception

ResearchExecution

Feedback

Human

Technologies

Evaluate

Definition of the problem

Approaches

Concepts

Discuss

DigitalPhysical

Community School

Confirm

Internal knowledge

Share

Consult

ResourcesInquire

Decision

Validate

Consolidate

Resources

- +

Chiasson (2017)©️

Toward the model of the process of CT

How can the characteristics of

the learning space influence the

process of the development of

computational thinking skills of

students?

Thank You!

Mario ChiassonPh D. student, Université de Moncton

mariochiassson.com

@marioch

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