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Effective and reliable assessment approaches to computational thinking in secondary education are in demand. This paper uses a guided technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework, incorporating a visual execution environment (VEE) and Scratch project for secondary school students as a method to teach and assess computational thinking. The objective is to investigate if computational thinking and programming concepts can be improved upon following this method, and if the K-12 children are able to improve their computational thinking skills. The research study was conducted over 2 years in a school setting using the guided VEE and project developed following the dimensions of Computational Thinking process. The project participants came from two cohorts, an after-school programming camp and an in-school environment. Data was collected over two academic years and a quasi-experimental procedure with pre- and post-test was followed. The results demonstrate knowledge gain on computational and programming concepts and encourages us to convey how students translate (as opposed to transfer) their computational thinking experiences into reality. The results indicate the students achieved significant improvement in their computational thinking development.

Significant interest in teaching children to code since Preschool Education has arisen in recent years. This paper focuses on the benefits of preschoolers learning to code at such short age. The research questions are whether by coding they can improve skills such as sequencing and plotting a route? Which factors influence the learning? And, to what extent? To start coding, preschoolers might use robots such as Cubetto or KIBO, or other unplugged resources such as foam. Moreover, stories could be used to provide a context and a goal for the coding experience. An experiment was carried out with 192 children between 3 and 6 years old in age to gather some data. The hypothesis that the skills were improved by coding was proved; and that age, resources, and initial knowledge influence the learning process. This paper contributes more evidence of the benefits of coding in early years.

Research on the role of mobile learning in computational thinking is limited, and even more so in its use in initial teacher education. Aligned to this there is a need to consider how to introduce and expose pre-service teachers to computational thinking constructs within the context of the subject area they will teach in their future classrooms. This paper outlines a quasi-experimental study to examine the role of mobile learning in facilitating computational thinking development amongst pre-service teachers in initial teacher education. The study enquires if there are significant differences in grades achieved in computational thinking and programming learning when mobile learning is introduced. Findings showed and reaffirmed the positive influence of the mobile applications on the development of computational thinking amongst the pre-service teachers who participated.

Computational Thinking (CT) can be defined as the thought processes involved in formulating problems so that their solutions can be represented as sequential steps and algorithms. It is a key skill for children in the 21st century. However, it is unclear how CT can be developed most effectively in children. Several pedagogical methodologies have been proposed and are being investigated. The main aim of this paper is to test the hypothesis which states that using three‐dimensional (3D) simulated robots helps in the learning of programming and CT concepts, such as directions, loops, conditionals, and functions. The research questions are: Does this hypothesis hold true? Are some concepts easier or better learned than others and to what extent? The goal is to measure and evaluate the effect of using as a learning tool a platform with 3D simulated robots and realistic physics, and compare it with the standard Scratch learning tool which does not use robotics but a two‐dimensional (2D) cartoon avatar they are already familiar with. For practical reasons, a quasiexperimental design with nonequivalent groups and 85 second‐year Secondary Education students (ages 12–13) was performed. They were separated into control and experimental groups and followed a seven‐session intervention with the baseline 2D Scratch and the 3D simulated robots platform, respectively. Both used a visual block programming language and the same activities. To have quantitative and reliable results, a widely accepted CT test has been used, pre‐ and postintervention. Also qualitative feedback is presented. The obtained results show that using the platform with simulated 3D robots significantly helps when developing students' CT. With it, the students do learn basic programming concepts and reach higher scores in the CT test. This improvement applies to all CT‐analyzed concepts except in functions where the grades are maintained. Furthermore, students manage to master the activities on the 3D simulated robots platform, which reflects on the empowerment the platform has got in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Altogether, UniCTCheck, a method for measuring the main components of computational thinking of CS university students, was employed by using the following two instruments: firstly, a web application, CTScore, to precisely measure seven of the main components of computational thinking (pattern recognition, creative thinking, algorithmic thinking, problem solving, critical thinking, decomposition, and abstraction); secondly, a psychometric scale, CTProg, to measure CT programming concepts skills (basic directions and sequences, conditionals, loops, functions, and data structures). The measurement of computational thinking ability among computer science (CS) university students is of paramount importance. This study introduces UniCTCheck, a novel method designed to assess the main components of computational thinking in CS students. Utilising two key instruments, namely, the web application CTScore and the psychometric scale CTProg, this research aims to precisely evaluate seven core components of computational thinking and six programming concepts skills essential for CS students. The study, conducted at Rey Juan Carlos University and Atlantic Technological University Galway, involved a diverse sample of students from different year levels and programme specialisations. Through a rigorous research design, including sampling strategies and data collection tools, this study seeks to address critical research questions related to the measurement of variations in students' computational thinking and programming skills by gender, university level, and location. By shedding light on the significance of computational thinking and programming in the educational realm, this research contributes to the existing literature and underscores the essential role of computational skills in the modern era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recursion is one of the most difficult programming topics for students. In this paper, an instructional method is proposed to enhance students' understanding of recursion tracing. The proposal is based on the use of rules to translate linear recursion algorithms into equivalent, iterative ones. The paper has two main contributions: the instructional method itself, and its evaluation, which is based on previous works of other authors on mental models of recursion. As a result, an enhancement was measured in the viability of mental models exhibited by students (both for linear and multiple recursion), but no significant improvement was detected in their skills for designing recursive algorithms. Evidence was also obtained of the fact that many students with (relatively) viable mental models for linear recursion have unviable mental models for multiple recursion. Finally, it was noticed that many students adopt inaccurate mental models if those models are adequate to handle the given algorithm.

Copyright of Informática Educativa Comunicaciones is the property of Asociacion para el Desarrollo de la Informatica Educativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

After a conceptual analysis of numerous frameworks for teachers’ digital competence (TDC), one such framework was selected to be implemented, and the state of development of the TDC and its relationship with the introduction of computer programming have been studied. The hypothesis is that the implementation of a TDC framework within a first-year university class within an Education degree, called Computer Science and Digital Competence would help future teachers to significantly improve their TDC and, specifically, increase their knowledge of computer programming. In order to test this hypothesis, a study has been carried out with 116 students enrolled in the degree programs in Early Childhood and Primary Education at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. The results show that the participants were not digitally competent at the beginning of the course but that they had become significantly more so at the end of it, with a large effect size. Additionally, the prospective teachers did not understand the basic concepts of programming at the beginning of the course, but by the end their knowledge of programming concepts had improved significantly, as evidenced by the large effect size, although even by the end of the course they had not reached an adequate level of programming. The most used frequently tools among students are WhatsApp, social networks and email, but many they were not aware of tools such as podcasts or forums. In addition, the motivation of the participants to learn programming seems to be excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant interest in teaching children to code since Preschool Education has arisen in recent years. This paper focuses on the benefits of preschoolers learning to code at such short age. The research questions are whether by coding they can improve skills such as sequencing and plotting a route? Which factors influence the learning? And, to what extent? To start coding, preschoolers might use robots such as Cubetto or KIBO, or other unplugged resources such as foam. Moreover, stories could be used to provide a context and a goal for the coding experience. An experiment was carried out with 192 children between 3 and 6 years old in age to gather some data. The hypothesis that the skills were improved by coding was proved; and that age, resources, and initial knowledge influence the learning process. This paper contributes more evidence of the benefits of coding in early years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El aprendizaje digital es una de las innovaciones más importantes desde la imprenta. Sabemos que los elementos de una verdadera educación se transmiten mejor cara a cara, sin embargo las nuevas tecnologías de la información han potenciado el desarrollo de un modelo mixto que utiliza herramientas online estratégicamente y que hacen la educación más efectiva y atractiva para los estudiantes, en formas desconocidas hasta ahora. Una de esas herramientas son los tutores virtuales cuya práctica está cada vez más extendida y los cuales potencian la motivación y el entusiasmo, necesarios para un mejor aprendizaje tanto en blended-learning como en e-learning, donde la interacción cara a cara con un profesor o con los compañeros es más limitada. Con esta idea en mente, un grupo de profesoras de la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid, decidió introducir un nuevo módulo para Moodle denominado “Merlin-Know” con el fin de utilizarlo con estudiantes de los Grados de Educación Infantil y Primaria. Esto debido principalmente a las dificultades que plantea la asignatura Las TIC en la Educación para dichos alumnos, ya que su perfil no es técnico. De esta forma, Merlin-Know permitió guiar y motivar a los estudiantes, actuando como un profesor virtual y realizando el seguimiento de su progreso individual y respecto al de sus compañeros de clase. El sistema ha sido utilizado durante el curso 2012-13 con grupos online, presencial y bilingüe en inglés para abarcar todas las modalidades educativas existentes en nuestra Universidad.

Copyright of Informática Educativa Comunicaciones is the property of Asociacion para el Desarrollo de la Informatica Educativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Informática Educativa Comunicaciones is the property of Asociacion para el Desarrollo de la Informatica Educativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

El aprendizaje-servicio es una metodología orientada a facilitar el aprendizaje a través de la realización de un servicio, con el fin de cubrir una necesidad en la comunidad a la que pertenecen los participantes. En este artículo se describe la experiencia realizada por un grupo de profesoras de la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid, con estudiantes de los Grados de Educación Infantil y Primaria. Tras varios años impartiendo la asignatura Las TIC en la Educación y notando que a los alumnos les resultaba complejo su aprendizaje, debido a la naturaleza de la misma que es muy distinta al resto de las asignaturas que cursan, se pensó que podría resultar interesante aplicar la metodología de aprendizaje- servicio, para que los estudiantes pudieran enseñar lo que aprendían de las tecnologías a profesores de centros educativos de la Comunidad de Madrid, centrándose en tres aspectos fundamentales: (i) afianzamiento del aprendizaje de los alumnos que cursan la asignatura, (ii) acercamiento de alumnos y docentes de los centros educativos al uso de la TIC y (iii) transferencia de conocimiento de la Universidad a los centros de enseñanza, potenciando el establecimiento de nuevos lazos de colaboración entre ellos.

Copyright of Informática Educativa Comunicaciones is the property of Asociacion para el Desarrollo de la Informatica Educativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Informática Educativa Comunicaciones is the property of Asociacion para el Desarrollo de la Informatica Educativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Informática Educativa Comunicaciones is the property of Asociacion para el Desarrollo de la Informatica Educativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)