Coding as Literacy in Preschool: A Case Study

Abstract

Coding is increasingly recognized as a new literacy that should be encouraged at a young age. This understanding has recontextualized computer science as a compulsory school subject and has informed several developmentally appropriate approaches to computation, including for preschool children. This study focuses on the introduction of three approaches to computation in preschool (3–6 years), specifically computational thinking, programming, and robotics, from a cross-curricular perspective. This paper presents preliminary findings from one of the case studies currently being developed as part of project KML II—Laboratory of Technologies and Learning of Programming and Robotics for Preschool and Elementary School. The purpose of the KML II project is to characterize how approaches to computation can be integrated into preschool and elementary education, across different knowledge domains. The conclusions point to “expression and communication” as an initial framework for computational approaches in preschool, but also to multidisciplinary and more creative methodological activities that offer greater scope for the development of digital and computational competences, as well as for personal and social development.

A Systematic Review of the Challenges in Teaching Programming for Primary Schools’ Students

“…Other than that, many challenges need to be faced by teachers if they lack of pedagogical knowledge to teach programming. Monteiro et al (2021) stated that the challenges included engaging younger children, developing spatial awareness, and controlling children's anxiousness to engage in lesson.…”

Evaluasi Program Literasi Digital di PAUD Melalui Robokids STEAM Coding Game

“…Permainan coding untuk anak usia dini selain digunakan untuk menunjukkan ekspresi dan komunikasi, juga dapat digunakan untuk mengembangkan kompetensi digital, komputasi, pengembangan kepribadian dan sosial (Monteiro et al, 2021) serta memfasilitasi keterampilan literasi (Hutchison et al, 2016). Tahapan coding pemula yang berkaitan dengan konsep simbolisasi dan representasi dalam penelitian ini terlihat ketika anak mampu memainkan Robokids STEAM sesuai dengan konteks cerita yang divisualisasikan dalam bentuk gambar dikarpet.…”

Designing a MOOC on Computational Thinking, Programming and Robotics for Early Childhood Educators and Primary School Teachers: A Pilot Test Evaluation

“…Providing learning in this area to teachers and future teachers is crucial for the development of interchangeable skills that fit all the areas of knowledge and contents of preschool and primary education, as explained in the Curricular Guidelines and Essential Learning made available by the Directorate General of Education in Portugal [17]. Furthermore, also promoting the participation of children in the activities foreseen in this project was an underlying principle of our theoretical approach that, together with others, guided the design of the MOOC [16], which will be available to all education professionals on the NAU open platform.…”

“…Sci. 2023, 13, 863 4 of 17 be highlighted that part of this design was tested in preschool and primary education settings during the data collection stage of the project [17].…”