Self-directed learning is a critical competence for living and working in our increasingly complex and unpredictable world. The concept of self-directed learning grew out of the adult learning field and scholars highlight the need to examine how self-directed learning competence can be fostered during childhood. However, there are very few…

The role of programming in computing education for children has grown rapidly in recent years with the proliferation of specially designed programming tools, which is grounded on Seymour Papert's theoretical work in Constructionism. Studies show that some children can develop computational thinking skills and practices with programming activities…

This paper presents the findings from one of the first empirical research studies which has investigated the impact of Inter-Life; a novel three-dimensional immersive virtual learning environment, on learning and development of social and educational life transition skills in a group of looked after and accommodated children. Drawing on social…