Presented by: Colette Kirwan
Computational Thinking is a problem solving framework that draws on concepts fundamental to Computer Science. It can be used to support problem solving across all disciplines, including science, mathematics, and the humanities. This presentation consists of an overview of a PhD in progress which will consider how this problem-solving framework can be developed in post-primary students. The overall aim of this PhD research is to investigate current research on Computational Thinking pedagogies (including unplugged activities) and ascertain if they can be married with a Massive Open Online Course (MOOCs) to help empower secondary teachers to teach this subject. The research proposes an intervention which will see the classroom teacher playing an active role with the MOOC helping to augment their teaching.
The presenter is actively looking for participating schools, so please ask questions, chat over coffee or email her at Colette.Kirwan@dcu.ie if you would like your school to participate .
Presenter Biography:
Colette is an IRC Scholar in her first year of a full-time PhD in Computational Thinking, based at the School of STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies at Dublin City University. She has previously worked in industry for eleven years as a Software Engineer before turning to academia and lecturing. She currently lectures online for DCU’s Open Connected BSc in Information Technology.