Repository logo
 

Developing Computational Thinking Teaching Strategies to Model Pandemics and Containment Measures.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Isoda, Masami 
van der Molen Moris, Johan 

Abstract

COVID-19 has been extremely difficult to control. The lack of understanding of key aspects of pandemics has affected virus transmission. On the other hand, there is a demand to incorporate computational thinking (CT) in the curricula with applications in STEM. However, there are still no exemplars in the curriculum that apply CT to real-world problems such as controlling a pandemic or other similar global crises. In this paper, we fill this gap by proposing exemplars of CT for modeling the pandemic. We designed exemplars following the three pillars of the framework for CT from the Inclusive Mathematics for Sustainability in a Digital Economy (InMside) project by Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): algorithmic thinking, computational modeling, and machine learning. For each pillar, we designed a progressive sequence of activities that covers from elementary to high school. In an experimental study with elementary and middle school students from 2 schools of high vulnerability, we found that the computational modeling exemplar can be implemented by teachers and correctly understood by students. We conclude that it is feasible to introduce the exemplars at all grade levels and that this is a powerful example of Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) integration that helps reflect and tackle real-world and challenging public health problems of great impact for students and their families.

Description

Keywords

COVID-19, computational modeling, computational thinking, lesson study, COVID-19, Curriculum, Humans, Pandemics, SARS-CoV-2, Schools, Teaching

Journal Title

Int J Environ Res Public Health

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1661-7827
1660-4601

Volume Title

18

Publisher

MDPI AG
Sponsorship
Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (ANID/PIA/Basal Funds for Centers of Excellence FB0003)
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Grant-in-Aid for Exploratory Research 19K21743)