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