Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Purpose – Many mathematical models have been shared to communicate about the COVID-19 outbreak; however, they require advanced mathematical skills. The main purpose of this study is to investigate in which way computational thinking (CT) tools and concepts are helpful to better understand the outbre...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Emerald Publishing
2021-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JRIT-12-2020-0085/full/pdf?title=real-world-problems-through-computational-thinking-tools-and-concepts-the-case-of-coronavirus-disease-covid-19 |
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| author | Hatice Beyza Sezer Immaculate Kizito Namukasa |
| author_facet | Hatice Beyza Sezer Immaculate Kizito Namukasa |
| author_sort | Hatice Beyza Sezer |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Purpose – Many mathematical models have been shared to communicate about the COVID-19 outbreak; however, they require advanced mathematical skills. The main purpose of this study is to investigate in which way computational thinking (CT) tools and concepts are helpful to better understand the outbreak, and how the context of disease could be used as a real-world context to promote elementary and middle-grade students' mathematical and computational knowledge and skills. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the authors used a qualitative research design, specifically content analysis, and analyzed two simulations of basic SIR models designed in a Scratch. The authors examine the extent to which they help with the understanding of the parameters, rates and the effect of variations in control measures in the mathematical models. Findings – This paper investigated the four dimensions of sample simulations: initialization, movements, transmission, recovery process and their connections to school mathematical and computational concepts. Research limitations/implications – A major limitation is that this study took place during the pandemic and the authors could not collect empirical data. Practical implications – Teaching mathematical modeling and computer programming is enhanced by elaborating in a specific context. This may serve as a springboard for encouraging students to engage in real-world problems and to promote using their knowledge and skills in making well-informed decisions in future crises. Originality/value – This research not only sheds light on the way of helping students respond to the challenges of the outbreak but also explores the opportunities it offers to motivate students by showing the value and relevance of CT and mathematics (Albrecht and Karabenick, 2018). |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T19:37:57Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-fa43dfae8f144950ad0f7523b3820ac8 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2397-7604 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T19:37:57Z |
| publishDate | 2021-03-01 |
| publisher | Emerald Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning |
| spelling | doaj.art-fa43dfae8f144950ad0f7523b3820ac82022-12-22T04:06:48ZengEmerald PublishingJournal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning2397-76042021-03-01141466410.1108/JRIT-12-2020-0085660075Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)Hatice Beyza Sezer0Immaculate Kizito Namukasa1Department of Curriculum Studies, Western University Faculty of Education, London, CanadaDepartment of Curriculum Studies, Western University Faculty of Education, London, CanadaPurpose – Many mathematical models have been shared to communicate about the COVID-19 outbreak; however, they require advanced mathematical skills. The main purpose of this study is to investigate in which way computational thinking (CT) tools and concepts are helpful to better understand the outbreak, and how the context of disease could be used as a real-world context to promote elementary and middle-grade students' mathematical and computational knowledge and skills. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the authors used a qualitative research design, specifically content analysis, and analyzed two simulations of basic SIR models designed in a Scratch. The authors examine the extent to which they help with the understanding of the parameters, rates and the effect of variations in control measures in the mathematical models. Findings – This paper investigated the four dimensions of sample simulations: initialization, movements, transmission, recovery process and their connections to school mathematical and computational concepts. Research limitations/implications – A major limitation is that this study took place during the pandemic and the authors could not collect empirical data. Practical implications – Teaching mathematical modeling and computer programming is enhanced by elaborating in a specific context. This may serve as a springboard for encouraging students to engage in real-world problems and to promote using their knowledge and skills in making well-informed decisions in future crises. Originality/value – This research not only sheds light on the way of helping students respond to the challenges of the outbreak but also explores the opportunities it offers to motivate students by showing the value and relevance of CT and mathematics (Albrecht and Karabenick, 2018).https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JRIT-12-2020-0085/full/pdf?title=real-world-problems-through-computational-thinking-tools-and-concepts-the-case-of-coronavirus-disease-covid-19ctprogramming languagessir modelcovid-19 |
| spellingShingle | Hatice Beyza Sezer Immaculate Kizito Namukasa Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning ct programming languages sir model covid-19 |
| title | Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) |
| title_full | Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) |
| title_fullStr | Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) |
| title_short | Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) |
| title_sort | real world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts the case of coronavirus disease covid 19 |
| topic | ct programming languages sir model covid-19 |
| url | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JRIT-12-2020-0085/full/pdf?title=real-world-problems-through-computational-thinking-tools-and-concepts-the-case-of-coronavirus-disease-covid-19 |
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