This dissertation examines the response of a group of educators to a state mandate to integrate computational thinking (CT) into all levels of the curriculum. It explores the historical development of CT and its significance within the broader context of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education, emphasizing the rapid growth and…

The concept of computational thinking (CT) has become more prevalent across the engineering education research and teaching landscape. Yet much of the research to date has been more definitional and has not offered many ways to convert CT theory to practice. One prominent set of tools used across engineering disciplines is modeling and simulation,…

Computational thinking (CT) is recognized as an essential and universally applicable skill for all disciplines (Wing, 2006; Bundy, 2007). Proponents of CT acknowledge that it is integral to fostering 21st century skills such as problem-solving and higher-order thinking (Barr & Stephenson, 2011; Wing, 2006). Educational robotics activities have…

To make sense of our interconnected and algorithm driven world, students increasingly need proficiency with computational thinking (CT), systems thinking (ST), and computational modeling. One aspect of computational modeling that can support students with CT, ST, and modeling is testing and debugging. Testing and debugging enables students to…

Given the connection between problem-solving and computational thinking (CT), studying the connections between these two constructs is critical. This study focused on students' computational problem-solving strategies, specifically how they applied conditional logic to solve CT-related puzzles within a game-based learning environment called…

Computational thinking (CT) has been supported as an important skill every young person should possess for the 21st century, with possible implications for problem-solving, self-expression, and creativity. Numerous initiatives, both within and outside classroom settings, have been developed in response to policy mandates aiming at broadening…

Integrating computational thinking (CT) and/or computer science (CS) into K-12 curricula has the potential to provide learners with early exposure to the possibilities of creation, engagement, and contributions within a technology-driven society. However, in order to weave CT and CS into their existing curricula and classrooms, K-12 teachers need…

The rise in children's media use (Rideout & Robb, 2020) and the prioritization of STEM learning (Fayer et al., 2017) has led to the development of new STEM-related apps, TV shows, and other media for young children. One topic in this area gaining popularity is computational thinking (CT). Researchers refer to CT as an approach to problem…

Previous research has been limited regarding the measurement of computational thinking, particularly as a learning progression in K-12. This study proposes to apply a multidimensional item response theory (IRT) model to a newly developed measure of computational thinking utilizing both selected response and open-ended polytomous items to establish…

This study explores how children from two to nine years of age develop Computational Thinking (CT) skills. The term "CT" denotes a set of cognitive processes that are useful for framing and solving problems using computers and other information processing agents. Acquisition of CT skills is traditionally associated with learning to code…

Computational thinking (CT) is a critical problem-solving skill that can help students be successful in school and the 21st-century workplace (Wing, 2006). This project builds on past research showing that educational robotics can be a useful and cost-effective means to teach CT to primary school students. Past research has not yet resolved…

Computational thinking (CT) is an analytical thinking approach to solving daily problems by utilizing fundamental concepts of computer science. In the past decade, CT has been regarded as an essential life skill to be taught to everyone, especially young learners. One overarching and unresolved issue related to including CT into the K-12…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand how K-8 teachers in Nevada describe computational concepts, practices, and perspectives preparation in making them ready to teach computer science. Brennan and Resnick's computational thinking served as the theoretical framework for this study. Four research questions guided this…

As a tangible and motivating medium for students to engage in computational thinking, robotics has drawn interest from educators and researchers as K-12 schools continue to integrate STEM into curriculum. Through this mixed methods study, the researcher sought to explore the effects of robotics instructional methods (task-based and project-based)…

Research has shown that computational thinking and kindergarten mathematics instruction can be integrated; however, evidence of how specific mathematical knowledge relates to computational thinking remains scarce. Additionally, we do not know if and how children's mathematical knowledge co-occurs with computational thinking and how these…