Using Open-World Games to Support Inclusive Approaches to Computational Thinking
Bennett, D., Brunner, C., Hartmann, N., & Uzzo, S. (2023). Using Open-World Games to Support Inclusive Approaches to Computational Thinking. Connected Science Learning, 5(1), 12318625.
Despite the importance of computational thinking (CT) and the emphasis on computer science for all, broader participation in computer science courses and majors that teach CT concepts and practices has remained low, particularly for young women and BIPOC learners. In part, this is because computer science education has often focused narrowly on mastering coding, procedural knowledge, and technology; rather than developing learners’ computational habits of mind and their capabilities for defining and solving problems that are personally and socially meaningful. We studied The Pack, an open world game developed by my research team and its ability to provide an invitation into algorithmic thinking and problem solving.