Game-Based Storytelling with a Robot Character: Activating Computational Thinking in Young Children

IF 2.3 3区 教育学 Q1 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
M. Esther-del-Moral-Pérez, Nerea López-Bouzas, Jonathan Castañeda-Fernández
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Abstract

Computational thinking (CT), defined through its dimensions of abstraction, generalization, algorithmic thinking, and evaluation, fosters cognitive skills for solving problems logically and systematically, preparing individuals for the challenges of the digital society, where interaction with machines is essential. This empirical pre-experimental study arises from an individualized intervention with students aged 4–6 (N = 82), aimed at measuring their level of CT. Its originality lies in involving them in a story featuring a robot, whose mission is to help a turtle recover its habitat. To achieve this, they must program the robot to follow a predetermined route and overcome various challenges. Thus, the CT-Robot-DST scale was designed and validated, consisting of 14 indicators with 4 performance levels, to record the observed level of CT during the intervention (27′ 30′′ per child). This scale assesses their skills in task planning and sequencing, logical reasoning, lateralization, spatial orientation, understanding and identifying the buttons to program the robot’s movements, memorization, counting, eye-hand coordination, problem-solving, effectiveness, and engagement with the story. The results show that the majority of the students engaged in the story, expressed interest in planning and executing the required tasks, successfully programmed the robot, solved problems, and overcame the proposed challenges. Thus, 78.1% of the students scored close to the high CT level. The more autonomous students performed better. Undoubtedly, this intervention, focused on completing various tasks structured around a narrative featuring a robot, represents an innovative approach that involves students in the storyline to solve the challenges.

基于游戏的机器人角色故事:激发幼儿的计算思维
计算思维(CT),通过其抽象、概括、算法思维和评估的维度来定义,培养逻辑上和系统地解决问题的认知技能,为个人应对数字社会的挑战做好准备,在数字社会中,与机器的交互是必不可少的。本实证实验前研究对4-6岁的学生(N = 82)进行了个体化干预,旨在测量他们的CT水平。这部电影的独创性在于,它把他们卷入了一个机器人的故事中,这个机器人的任务是帮助一只海龟恢复栖息地。为了实现这一目标,他们必须对机器人进行编程,使其遵循预定的路线,并克服各种挑战。因此,设计并验证了CT- robot - dst量表,该量表由14个指标组成,分为4个表现水平,记录干预期间观察到的CT水平(每个儿童27 ' 30”)。这个量表评估他们在任务规划和排序、逻辑推理、横向化、空间定向、理解和识别机器人运动编程按钮、记忆、计数、手眼协调、解决问题、效率和参与故事等方面的技能。结果表明,大多数学生都参与了故事,对计划和执行所需的任务表现出兴趣,成功地为机器人编程,解决了问题,并克服了提出的挑战。因此,78.1%的学生的CT得分接近高水平。自主性越强的学生表现得越好。毫无疑问,这种干预,专注于完成围绕机器人叙事的各种任务,代表了一种创新的方法,让学生参与到故事情节中来解决挑战。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Early Childhood Education Journal
Early Childhood Education Journal EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH-
CiteScore
5.30
自引率
14.80%
发文量
124
期刊介绍: Early Childhood Education Journal is a professional publication of original peer-reviewed articles that reflect exemplary practices in the field of contemporary early childhood education. Articles cover the social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children age birth through 8, analyzing issues, trends, and practices from an educational perspective. The journal publishes feature-length articles that skillfully blend 1) theory, research, and practice, 2) descriptions of outstanding early childhood programs worldwide, and 3) quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. Early Childhood Education Journal is of interest not only to classroom teachers, child care providers, college and university faculty, and administrators, but also to other professionals in psychology, health care, family relations, and social services dedicated to the care of young children. Areas of Emphasis: International studies; Educational programs in diverse settings; Early learning across multiple domains; Projects demonstrating inter-professional collaboration; Qualitative and quantitative research and case studies; Best practices in early childhood teacher education; Theory, research, and practice relating to professional development; Family, school, and community relationships; Investigations related to curriculum and instruction; Articles that link theory and best practices; Reviews of research with well-articulated connections to the field
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