About

Supporting Early Learning of Computational Thinking Using Mixed Reality

This project aims to introduce young children to computational thinking, a crucial skill that involves breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, identifying step-by-step sequences to solve the problem, and developing generalizable solutions for similar problems. Problem-solving abilities form the foundation of various domains and disciplines within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The project will undertake research and development to create an innovative mixed reality (MR) learning environment that combines visual displays with a programmable robot capable of movement. Children in grades K-2 will engage in programming activities to solve path-finding problems using the robot. Each problem scenario will feature hints and obstacles presented on a computer tablet. The project environment is designed to facilitate wireless and flexible one-on-one interactions, making it suitable for both formal and informal educational settings.

To ensure diverse representation, the project will collaborate with schools in communities that have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields, recruiting both participating children and teachers. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is providing support for this project. See more information here. 

Learning Computational Thinking through Augmented Reality

The project aimed to investigate the effects of an immersive learning environment in the context of computer science (CS) education for first and second-grade students. The principal investigator (PI) and research group developed a curriculum that utilizes augmented reality (AR) to provide embodied learning experiences. Through this curriculum, students were able to grasp core CS concepts and develop simplified solutions (programs) for specific problems. The primary objectives of the project were as follows:

• Implement an immersive learning environment for CS education in early elementary classrooms in MCCSC.
• Investigate how students engage with objects in the AR-based learning system and assess its impact on their learning outcomes.
• Redesign the CS education curriculum to accommodate more participants and utilize it for a pilot study seeking external funding.

This project deepened our understanding of embodied cognition and provided valuable insights into effective and scalable instructional strategies for CS education tailored specifically to early childhood students. This project had been supported by IU School of Education (Proffitt Grant).