Designing for deeper learning in a blended computer science course for middle school students

• Published in: Computer science education Vol. 25; no. 2; pp. 199 - 237
• Main Authors: Grover, Shuchi, Pea, Roy, Cooper, Stephen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Norwood Routledge 03.04.2015; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Achievement Gains; Algorithms; Assessments; Attitude Change; Blended; Blended Learning; Computation; computational thinking; Computer Attitudes; Computer Science Education; Curriculum Design; deeper learning; design-based research; Factor Analysis; FACTS; Instructional Effectiveness; Interviews; Introductory Courses; K-12 CS curriculum; Learning; middle school computer science; Middle School Students; Mixed Methods Research; Multivariate Analysis; Outcomes of Education; pedagogical content knowledge; perceptions of computing; preparation for future learning; Pretests Posttests; Programming; Student Attitudes; Students; transfer; Transfer of Training

The focus of this research was to create and test an introductory computer science course for middle school. Titled "Foundations for Advancing Computational Thinking" (FACT), the course aims to prepare and motivate middle school learners for future engagement with algorithmic problem solvi...