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Technology, Knowledge and Learning

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31-08-2019 | Original research

An Emerging Technology Report on Computational Toys in Early Childhood

Authors: Megan Hamilton, Jody Clarke-Midura, Jessica F. Shumway, Victor R. Lee

Published in: Technology, Knowledge and Learning | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

This emerging technology report describes computational toys as tools for learning and building computational thinking (CT) skills in young children. We present both a framework to categorize computational toys as well as a separate framework to evaluate the toys’ effectiveness for teaching CT skills. We then apply our frameworks to thirty computational toys targeting children ages 5 and 6 years old. By identifying physical and ideational features of computational toys, educators and researchers will be able to apply our findings to practice and expand upon CT pedagogical research in young learners. Our future research goals include to investigate how CT skills can be observed and measured in early childhood education.

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Title: An Emerging Technology Report on Computational Toys in Early Childhood
Authors: Megan Hamilton
Jody Clarke-Midura
Jessica F. Shumway
Victor R. Lee
Publication date: 31-08-2019
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: Technology, Knowledge and Learning / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 2211-1662
Electronic ISSN: 2211-1670
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-019-09423-8

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