Share Paper: Teacher Perspectives on a Narrative-Centered Learning Environment to Promote Computationally-Rich Science Learning through Digital Storytelling

  1. Jennifer Houchins, North Carolina State University, United States
  2. Kimkinyona Cully, WestEd, United States
  3. Danielle Cadieux Boulden, North Carolina State University, United States
  4. Kevin Oliver, North Carolina State University, United States
  5. Andy Smith, North Carolina State University, United States
  6. James Minogue, North Carolina State University, United States
  7. Bradford Mott, North Carolina State University, United States
  8. Rasha Elsayed, WestEd, United States
  9. Aleata Hubbard Cheuoua, WestEd, United States
  10. Cathy Ringstaff, WestEd, United States
Tuesday, March 30 12:30-12:45 PM Room 6

Abstract: Elementary school teachers are increasingly looking to incorporate computational thinking (CT) into their practice. Unlike middle and high school where CT is often integrated into a single subject, elementary school teachers have the unique opportunity to integrate CT across multiple content areas. However, there is little research on the in-platform supports elementary teachers need to accomplish this integration successfully. To investigate this integration, we are iteratively developing a narrative-centered learning environment to facilitate learning outcomes in physical science via the creation of digital narratives that elicit CT. The learning environment enables students to use their science understanding to propose a ...