Empowering Vocational Students: A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration
Vocational Education and Training (VET) faces significant challenges in equipping individuals for modern workplaces, which increasingly require digital literacy and Computational Thinking (CT) skills. This paper addresses the imperative of integrating CT into VET programs and outlines key research q...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-02-01
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| Series: | Education Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/2/206 |
| _version_ | 1797298418660409344 |
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| author | Seppe Hermans Tom Neutens Francis wyffels Peter Van Petegem |
| author_facet | Seppe Hermans Tom Neutens Francis wyffels Peter Van Petegem |
| author_sort | Seppe Hermans |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Vocational Education and Training (VET) faces significant challenges in equipping individuals for modern workplaces, which increasingly require digital literacy and Computational Thinking (CT) skills. This paper addresses the imperative of integrating CT into VET programs and outlines key research questions. Our methodology primarily involves a systematic literature review, resulting in the identification of 29 relevant papers. Through qualitative content analysis, we develop a CT integration framework that connects CT practices and integration elements to the engineering design process, while highlighting the VET context. Arguably, the innovative aspect of this framework lies in its core dimensions of harnessing computational power for enhanced efficiency. Raising the question of whether computers can optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of specific tasks is paramount for addressing challenges in technology-rich environments. Therefore, this inquiry merits unwavering attention at every stage of the process. The proposed framework provides educators with a structured approach to identify integration opportunities and help prepare students for multifaceted vocational careers. Furthermore, other key findings underscore the inherently interdisciplinary nature of VET, the growing demand for STEM competencies, and the transformative potential of CT integration. Implications emphasize the need for further research, supportive policies, and practical CT integration. Despite limitations, this study strongly advocates for CT integration, empowering VET students for success in the contemporary workforce. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T22:34:35Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-7b39b61585f94dcc844c885c63772b46 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2227-7102 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T22:34:35Z |
| publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Education Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-7b39b61585f94dcc844c885c63772b462024-02-23T15:14:33ZengMDPI AGEducation Sciences2227-71022024-02-0114220610.3390/educsci14020206Empowering Vocational Students: A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking IntegrationSeppe Hermans0Tom Neutens1Francis wyffels2Peter Van Petegem3Department of Training and Education Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, BelgiumDepartment Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, BelgiumDepartment Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, BelgiumDepartment of Training and Education Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, BelgiumVocational Education and Training (VET) faces significant challenges in equipping individuals for modern workplaces, which increasingly require digital literacy and Computational Thinking (CT) skills. This paper addresses the imperative of integrating CT into VET programs and outlines key research questions. Our methodology primarily involves a systematic literature review, resulting in the identification of 29 relevant papers. Through qualitative content analysis, we develop a CT integration framework that connects CT practices and integration elements to the engineering design process, while highlighting the VET context. Arguably, the innovative aspect of this framework lies in its core dimensions of harnessing computational power for enhanced efficiency. Raising the question of whether computers can optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of specific tasks is paramount for addressing challenges in technology-rich environments. Therefore, this inquiry merits unwavering attention at every stage of the process. The proposed framework provides educators with a structured approach to identify integration opportunities and help prepare students for multifaceted vocational careers. Furthermore, other key findings underscore the inherently interdisciplinary nature of VET, the growing demand for STEM competencies, and the transformative potential of CT integration. Implications emphasize the need for further research, supportive policies, and practical CT integration. Despite limitations, this study strongly advocates for CT integration, empowering VET students for success in the contemporary workforce.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/2/206computational thinkingcomputing literacySTEMvocational education |
| spellingShingle | Seppe Hermans Tom Neutens Francis wyffels Peter Van Petegem Empowering Vocational Students: A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration Education Sciences computational thinking computing literacy STEM vocational education |
| title | Empowering Vocational Students: A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration |
| title_full | Empowering Vocational Students: A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration |
| title_fullStr | Empowering Vocational Students: A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration |
| title_full_unstemmed | Empowering Vocational Students: A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration |
| title_short | Empowering Vocational Students: A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration |
| title_sort | empowering vocational students a research based framework for computational thinking integration |
| topic | computational thinking computing literacy STEM vocational education |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/2/206 |
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