ACM Special Issue on Computational Thinking

Solicitation:
Since Wing’s (2006) article around computational thinking, there has been a dramatic increase in the focus on computational thinking in K-12 education. This is especially true at the elementary level. In a review of the state of the field of computational thinking in K-12, Grover and Pea (2013), they described that research included information on definitional issues around CT, descriptions of environments and tools that foster CT, and assessment of CT. They called for a need to address large gaps in our knowledge around CT, including the cognitive aspects around CT and how CT can be integrated into other subjects. Several articles have provided suggestions in how to integrate CT (e.g., Yadav, Hong, & Stephenson, 2016). In a meta-review of 120 CT studies published between 2006 to 2017, Hsu, Chang, and Hung (2018) found that most studies were situated within programming (n=31) or computer science (n=26) applications. The other applications where CT was studied was found in math (n=11), biological (n=9), robotics (n=8), and other areas.

The ACM and Robin Hood Learning + Technology Fund are co-funding a special ACM publication dedicated entirely to research on integrating computational thinking across K-12 learning disciplines including math, ELA, science, and computer science. The issue will focus specifically on existing and potential efforts that provide empirically-based evidence of how to integrate CT into K-5 practices. Although we encourage empirical research from all K-12 levels, most articles will focus on the elementary levels of K-5. This can include, but is not limited to inservice elementary professional development, elementary preservice teacher education, K-5 (in all subject areas). All articles should clearly discuss differentiation and strategies for broadening participation in computing. The issue plans to represent both research and practice, ensuring rigorous research and ideas that are applicable to the K-5 teaching community. We anticipate focusing on how CT applies to a wide range of subject areas (e.g., math, literacy, science, etc.).  

The goals of the report will focus on following:
1. Improving current capacity within schools of education to integrate CT/CS into their teaching.
2. Increasing the body of research focused on integrating computational thinking across K-12 curricula, a still nascent area of learning.
3. Raising awareness with the broader research and education community around efforts to integrate CT into instruction to broaden participation in computing at the K-5 levels.

Review Criteria

In order to just the quality of publications, we will ensure that the articles are reviewed based on the following criteria:

1. Does the paper draw upon existing literature and the research problem is situated within the literature?
2. Does the paper address a significant problem related to integration of CS/CT within K-12 education?
3. Does the paper use robust methods to address the problem? And are the methods appropriate to address the research questions?
4. Does the paper use empirical data to make the claims? And are the claims made based on empirical data discussed in the paper?
5. Is the writing clear and well-organized?
6. Is the article approximately 3,000 words?

Timeline:

  • November 30, 2020: Abstracts Due
  • February 28, 2021: Final Papers due
  • April 30, 2021: Review Process Completed
  • May 30, 2021: Final papers selected and authors informed. 
  • June 15, 2021: Final manuscripts due
  • June-July, 2021: Layout, design, and final copy edit

Format:

  1. Manuscripts will be submitted in .docx format. 
  2. Manuscripts must be approximately 3,000 words (does not include references, tables, and figures).
  3. Manuscripts should be submitted in APA 7 format.
  4. Manuscripts must follow the template (unless receiving special permission from the editors).
    1. Introduction (including a clearly described CT framework)
    2. Methods
    3. Results
    4. Discussion
    5. Implications (provide specific practitioner recommendations)

Submission: Please submit your Abstract via this link

Note that this will be a special ACM publication and not associated with any journal.

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