children programming
Workshop

Third International Workshop on Computational Thinking, Coding Skills and AI in Schools

Workshop Objective and Scope

Following the success of our previous workshop in 2018, we continue this year by running the third edition of this event.

Programming is not just about writing code. It is also about creative problem solving, logical thinking and structured working methods. We understand programming as a technique, a medium for self-expression and an entry point for developing new ways of thinking.

In particular, we consider programming as part of a broader thought process called Computational Thinking (CT). CT involves, among other things, logical reasoning by which problems are identified and solved as well as artefacts, procedures and systems we encounter daily in our everyday life. The development of learners' computational thinking through programming is believed to entice learners to develop different thinking skills, to stimulate curiosity and the capacity to discover, create and innovate, as well as to understand what technology has to offer to us and society.

Moreover, the recent development of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods and tools are also posing new challenges related to how to introduce it and use it in the field of education. As AI is a new topic not only for pupils in K-12 but also for teachers, new skills sets are required that enable critical engagement with AI. 

Educational systems in many countries are facing many challenges related to the issues described above. One particular challenge we want to address this year is the one related to teachers' competencies and skills related to programming and AI in schools. Central questions that are asked can be formulated as follows:

  • Which knowledge and skills should teachers gain in order to work and introduce different aspects of computational thinking and AI in their everyday classroom activities?
  • How should teaching modules be designed so they can scaffold teachers to plan, conduct and assess the role of programming and AI related activities in enhancing teaching of technology in middle school?

Researchers and teachers

In order to gain insights and perspectives from international scholars and professionals on how to promote computational thinking and AI development, we are organizing this workshop. This event brings together researchers and teachers from Sweden, Greece, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Germany, Spain and United Kingdom working on topics related to Computational Thinking, Coding Skills and AI in Schools.

The aim of the workshop is to exchange experiences and new practical knowledge regarding working with programming, coding and AI in the classroom. The focus of the workshop this year will be on a combination of presentations, discussions and hands-on activities with special focus on methods, programming applications and AI tools, that can be uses in the classroom.

More details related to the content of this event will be given in the program to be published later in October. We expect 30-40 participants, including teachers and researchers.

Participation in this workshop is free of charge and by invitation only. This event is arranged with support from Linnaeus University, the RUC IT, TeMa Linné and Digital Transformations

Program

08.30-09.10 Registration desk opens at the M-house, Linnaeus University, Växjö

09.10-09.20 Opening of the event, Marcelo Milrad & Katrin Lindwall, LNU 

Session 1: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives on AI literacy 

Chair: Chronis Kynigos 

09.20-09.40 Fostering AI Literacy among Educators: A Case Study from Singapore, Cheek Kit Looi, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 

09.40-10.00 Critical Insights into Contemporary Academic Discourse on AI Literacy, Johanna Velander & Marcelo Milrad, Linnaeus University, Sweden 

10.00-10.20 Breaking the magic of automation and augmentation: Insight into AI encounters in Swedish K12 Education, Linnéa Stenliden, Linköping University, Sweden 

10.20-10.40 Coffee break 

Session 2: Computational Thinking, AI and the Maker Approach to Teaching and Learning 

Chair: Marcelo Milrad 

10:40-11:00 AI Literacy in K-12 Computing Education: Experiences from the Classroom, Mati Tedre, University of Eastern Finland, Finland 

11:00-11:20 Fostering Digital and Future Skills in Pedagogical Makerspaces, Wolfgang Müller & Holger Weitzel, University of Education Weingarten, Germany

11:20-11:40 Researching Programming and Computational Thinking at the Center for Digital Education, Daniel Spikol, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 

11:45-11:55 Summary of the morning session 

12.00-13.15 Lunch break 

Session 3: Computational Thinking, Robotics and AI tools and systems in Schools: 

Chair: Daniel Spikol 

13:15-13:35 The ExtenDT2 project - Extending Computational Thinking with Emergent technologies joined with constructionist media: the case of AI, AR, 3D printing, Chronis Kynigos & Marianthi Grizioti, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 

13:35-14:00 Artificial Intelligence in Educational Computer Games: A Case of AutoThinking Game for Computational Thinking, Danial Hooshyar, Tallinn University, Estonia

14:05-14:25 Computational Thinking and creativity: learning opportunities for children, Nardie Fanchamps, Open University of The Netherlands, The Netherlands

14:25-14:45 How to teach and assess Computational Thinking among young children, Maria Zapata Cáceres, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain 

14:45-14:55 Summary of the afternoon session 

15.00-16.45 Hands-on session and coffee break 

An interactive session to socialize and try out different tools and approaches to work with computational thinking, coding skills and AI topics in schools. Colleagues from Greece, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden and Furhat Robotics will be in charge of the different activities. 

16:45-17:00 Final discussions and conclusions