Abstract
Promoting computational thinking is a priority in CS education and other STEM and non-STEM disciplines. Our innovative, NSF-funded IC2Think project blends computational and creative thinking. In Spring 2013, we deployed Computational Creativity Exercises (CCE) designed to engage creative competencies (Surrounding, Capturing, Challenging and Broadening) in an introductory CSI course for engineering students. We compared this CCE implementation semester (80 students, 95% completing 3 or 4 CCEs) to the Fall 2013 semester of the same course (55 students) without CCEs. CCE implementation students had significantly higher scores on a CS concepts and skills knowledge test (F(1, 132) = 7.72, p < 01, partial Eta<sup>2</sup> =.055; M=7.47 to M=6.13; 13 items) and significantly higher self-efficacy for applying CS knowledge in their field (F(1, 153) = 12.22, p <.01, partial Eta<sup>2</sup> =.074; M=70.64 to M=61.47; 100-point scale). CCE implementation students had significantly higher study time (t(1, 136) = 2.08, p =.04; M=3.88 to M=3.29; 7-point scale) and significantly lower lack of regulation, which measures difficulties with studying (t(1, 136) = 2.82, p =.006; M=2.80 to M=3.21; 5-point scale). The addition of computational creativity exercises to CS courses may improve computational thinking and learning of CS knowledge and skills.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE |
Publisher | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. |
Volume | 2015-February |
Edition | February |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 17 2015 |
Event | 44th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2014 - Madrid, Spain Duration: Oct 22 2014 → Oct 25 2014 |
Other
Other | 44th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2014 |
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Country/Territory | Spain |
City | Madrid |
Period | 10/22/14 → 10/25/14 |
Keywords
- Computational Thinking
- Creative Thinking
- CSI
- Engagement
- Engineering
- Self-Efficacy
- Self-Regulation
- Student Learning
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Computer Science Applications
- Software
- Education