Designing Computational Thinking and Coding Badges for Early Childhood Educators

This design case documents the creation of open educational resources for preservice and inservice teachers at Brigham Young University (BYU). The purpose of this interdisciplinary project was to design and develop training, assessments and credentials to help the learners become competent in teaching computational thinking (CT) and coding in developmentally appropriate ways for their students. In accordance with the needs and desires of the stakeholders, the assessments for the project took the form of open badges, and the training consisted of corresponding tutorials to assist individuals earning those badges. The badges, tutorials and some related resources were compiled into the Tech with Kids website (https://​iptedtec.​wixsite.​com/​techwithkids) in order to make them accessible for all target learners. Evaluation data suggests, among other findings, that most learners were able to successfully complete badge requirements; that the intervention was effective at helping students improve their understanding of CT; that learners generally perceived the materials as effective; and that the intervention may be implemented in a variety of ways.