Research Article

Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board

Number: 23 April 30, 2021
TR EN

Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board

Abstract

The coding education given within the scope of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education gives children computational thinking skills. Computational thinking involves a set of problem-solving, algorithmically thinking, analytical thinking and critical thinking skills. When the coding education is given to children by an ER (Educational Robotics), the content of the education becomes more tangible and fun. In addition, ER helps develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It supports children's social development by directing them to collaboration and teamwork. In this study, an educational coding robot with magnetic board that makes the coding education suitable for preschool children was designed. This platform has attractive visual design, audible and illuminated warnings. In addition, it is computer-independent, easily portable and can be operated wirelessly. The educational robot was introduced for use by 40 children aged 4-5 years old. The interaction of the children with the robot was observed by 10 people in total, consisting of pre-school teachers and academicians. An evaluation form containing open-ended questions has been created to evaluate whether the prepared educational robot is a useful material for teaching pre-school children. Answers and suggestions from users were recorded and interpreted according to content analysis. It was determined that the educational coding robot with magnetic platform developed according to the obtained data is suitable for the pedagogical properties of the target group. In addition, it is concluded that there is an educational material that can be used for the expected purpose.

Keywords

References

  1. R. Gelman and K. Brenneman, “Science learning pathways for young children,” Early Child. Res. Q., vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 150–158, 2004.
  2. B. Barron, G. Cayton-Hodges, C. Copple, L. Darling-Hammond, M. H. Levine, and L. Bofferding, “Take a giant step: A blueprint for teaching young children in a digital age,” 2011.
  3. M. U. Bers, L. Flannery, E. R. Kazakoff, and A. Sullivan, “Computational thinking and tinkering: Exploration of an early childhood robotics curriculum,” Comput. Educ., vol. 72, pp. 145–157, 2014.
  4. M. U. Bers, Blocks to Robots: Learning with Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom. New York: Teacher’s College Press, 2008.
  5. N. Brosterman, Inventing kindergarten. New York: H. N. Abrams, 1997.
  6. M. Resnick et al., “Digital manipulatives: New toys to think with,” Conf. Hum. Factors Comput. Syst. - Proc., no. April, pp. 281–287, 1998.
  7. M. E. Karim, S. Lemaignan, and F. Mondada, “A review: Can robots reshape K-12 STEM education?,” in Proceedings of IEEE Workshop on Advanced Robotics and its Social Impacts, ARSO, 2015, pp. 1–8.
  8. K. T. H. Lee, A. Sullivan, and M. U. Bers, “Collaboration by Design: Using Robotics to Foster Social Interaction in Kindergarten,” Comput. Sch., vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 271–281, 2013.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Engineering

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 30, 2021

Submission Date

December 18, 2020

Acceptance Date

March 1, 2021

Published in Issue

Year 2021 Number: 23

APA
Demir, B. E., & Demir, F. (2021). Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board. Avrupa Bilim Ve Teknoloji Dergisi, 23, 52-61. https://doi.org/10.31590/ejosat.842483
AMA
1.Demir BE, Demir F. Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board. EJOSAT. 2021;(23):52-61. doi:10.31590/ejosat.842483
Chicago
Demir, Batıkan Erdem, and Funda Demir. 2021. “Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board”. Avrupa Bilim Ve Teknoloji Dergisi, nos. 23: 52-61. https://doi.org/10.31590/ejosat.842483.
EndNote
Demir BE, Demir F (April 1, 2021) Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board. Avrupa Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi 23 52–61.
IEEE
[1]B. E. Demir and F. Demir, “Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board”, EJOSAT, no. 23, pp. 52–61, Apr. 2021, doi: 10.31590/ejosat.842483.
ISNAD
Demir, Batıkan Erdem - Demir, Funda. “Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board”. Avrupa Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi. 23 (April 1, 2021): 52-61. https://doi.org/10.31590/ejosat.842483.
JAMA
1.Demir BE, Demir F. Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board. EJOSAT. 2021;:52–61.
MLA
Demir, Batıkan Erdem, and Funda Demir. “Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board”. Avrupa Bilim Ve Teknoloji Dergisi, no. 23, Apr. 2021, pp. 52-61, doi:10.31590/ejosat.842483.
Vancouver
1.Batıkan Erdem Demir, Funda Demir. Coding, Robotics and Computational Thinking in Preschool Education: The Design of Magne-Board. EJOSAT. 2021 Apr. 1;(23):52-61. doi:10.31590/ejosat.842483

Cited By