Playful AI Learning and Design Lab

Computational Thinking (CT) for Young Children and Their Caregivers

A teacher sharing research with an audience
Two teachers

Timeline: Summer 2023

In collaboration with the King Urban Life Center, we launched an innovative after-school Computational Thinking (CT) program, specially designed for children and their parents from disadvantaged communities. The program’s key components include:

  • Engaging Learning Experiences: Providing interactive sessions that introduce foundational CT concepts in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
  • Parental Involvement: Encouraging parents to actively participate, fostering a supportive learning environment at home.
  • Community Focus: Tailoring the program to meet the specific needs and context of the participating families from disadvantaged communities.
  • Feedback-Driven Improvement: Using the collected data to iteratively improve the program, ensuring it remains relevant, effective, and in harmony with the community’s needs.

This CT program represents a crucial step in bringing advanced educational concepts to underserved communities, bridging the digital divide, and laying a strong foundation for future learning and development in computational thinking.