On the Future of Computational Thinking Education: Moving beyond the Digital Agenda, a Discourse Analysis Perspective

Vladimiras Dolgopolovas and Valentina Dagiene
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Vladimiras Dolgopolovas: Institute of Data Science and Digital Technologies, Vilnius University, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
Valentina Dagiene: Institute of Data Science and Digital Technologies, Vilnius University, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 24, 1-21

Abstract: This article explores the development directions of the phenomenon of Computational Thinking (CT) from the perspectives of discourse analysis. The motivation is based on the understanding of CT as an advanced educational approach, methodology, and community, aimed at a set of learners’ digital and further competences having a huge impact on modern education and society. The novelty of this study lies in the attempt to look holistically at CT and its perspectives, considering it as an evolving phenomenon per se, leaving aside discussion on its internal characteristics or applications. The study utilizes a comprehensive analysis, applying discourse analysis and social semiotics methods. The results present the most trended storylines associated with CT and its context, providing a thorough introduction to the CT discursive landscape. The findings and discussion present a reflective insight into the discursive landscape directions, focusing on meaning-makers and their identities, the transformative and transductive potential of CT, observing the phenomenon’s development paths from a metaphorical perspective and positioning it towards the development of the socio-technical networks it mediates. In the conclusion, the options for development and possible trends in the reconstitution of the CT phenomenon are outlined.

Keywords: Computational Thinking; STEM education; maker culture; sustainability issues; discourse analysis; STS; science and technology studies; futures studies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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