
Empowering vocational students : a research-based framework for computational thinking integration
- Author
- Seppe Hermans, Tom Neutens (UGent) , Francis wyffels (UGent) and Peter Van Petegem
- Organization
- Abstract
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) faces significant challenges in equipping individuals for modern workplaces, which increasingly require digital literacy and Computational Thinking (CT) skills. This paper addresses the imperative of integrating CT into VET programs and outlines key research questions. Our methodology primarily involves a systematic literature review, resulting in the identification of 29 relevant papers. Through qualitative content analysis, we develop a CT integration framework that connects CT practices and integration elements to the engineering design process, while highlighting the VET context. Arguably, the innovative aspect of this framework lies in its core dimensions of harnessing computational power for enhanced efficiency. Raising the question of whether computers can optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of specific tasks is paramount for addressing challenges in technology-rich environments. Therefore, this inquiry merits unwavering attention at every stage of the process. The proposed framework provides educators with a structured approach to identify integration opportunities and help prepare students for multifaceted vocational careers. Furthermore, other key findings underscore the inherently interdisciplinary nature of VET, the growing demand for STEM competencies, and the transformative potential of CT integration. Implications emphasize the need for further research, supportive policies, and practical CT integration. Despite limitations, this study strongly advocates for CT integration, empowering VET students for success in the contemporary workforce.
- Keywords
- Public Administration, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Education, Computer Science Applications, Computer Science (miscellaneous), Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, computational thinking, computing literacy, STEM, vocational education, EDUCATION, K-12, MATHEMATICS
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Citation
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication: http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HQ41V85QZ8PN55HHHS7KWSBW
- MLA
- Hermans, Seppe, et al. “Empowering Vocational Students : A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration.” EDUCATION SCIENCES, vol. 14, no. 2, MDPI, 2024, doi:10.3390/educsci14020206.
- APA
- Hermans, S., Neutens, T., wyffels, F., & Van Petegem, P. (2024). Empowering vocational students : a research-based framework for computational thinking integration. EDUCATION SCIENCES, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020206
- Chicago author-date
- Hermans, Seppe, Tom Neutens, Francis wyffels, and Peter Van Petegem. 2024. “Empowering Vocational Students : A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration.” EDUCATION SCIENCES 14 (2). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020206.
- Chicago author-date (all authors)
- Hermans, Seppe, Tom Neutens, Francis wyffels, and Peter Van Petegem. 2024. “Empowering Vocational Students : A Research-Based Framework for Computational Thinking Integration.” EDUCATION SCIENCES 14 (2). doi:10.3390/educsci14020206.
- Vancouver
- 1.Hermans S, Neutens T, wyffels F, Van Petegem P. Empowering vocational students : a research-based framework for computational thinking integration. EDUCATION SCIENCES. 2024;14(2).
- IEEE
- [1]S. Hermans, T. Neutens, F. wyffels, and P. Van Petegem, “Empowering vocational students : a research-based framework for computational thinking integration,” EDUCATION SCIENCES, vol. 14, no. 2, 2024.
@article{01HQ41V85QZ8PN55HHHS7KWSBW, abstract = {{Vocational Education and Training (VET) faces significant challenges in equipping individuals for modern workplaces, which increasingly require digital literacy and Computational Thinking (CT) skills. This paper addresses the imperative of integrating CT into VET programs and outlines key research questions. Our methodology primarily involves a systematic literature review, resulting in the identification of 29 relevant papers. Through qualitative content analysis, we develop a CT integration framework that connects CT practices and integration elements to the engineering design process, while highlighting the VET context. Arguably, the innovative aspect of this framework lies in its core dimensions of harnessing computational power for enhanced efficiency. Raising the question of whether computers can optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of specific tasks is paramount for addressing challenges in technology-rich environments. Therefore, this inquiry merits unwavering attention at every stage of the process. The proposed framework provides educators with a structured approach to identify integration opportunities and help prepare students for multifaceted vocational careers. Furthermore, other key findings underscore the inherently interdisciplinary nature of VET, the growing demand for STEM competencies, and the transformative potential of CT integration. Implications emphasize the need for further research, supportive policies, and practical CT integration. Despite limitations, this study strongly advocates for CT integration, empowering VET students for success in the contemporary workforce.}}, articleno = {{206}}, author = {{Hermans, Seppe and Neutens, Tom and wyffels, Francis and Van Petegem, Peter}}, issn = {{2227-7102}}, journal = {{EDUCATION SCIENCES}}, keywords = {{Public Administration,Developmental and Educational Psychology,Education,Computer Science Applications,Computer Science (miscellaneous),Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation,computational thinking,computing literacy,STEM,vocational education,EDUCATION,K-12,MATHEMATICS}}, language = {{eng}}, number = {{2}}, pages = {{23}}, publisher = {{MDPI}}, title = {{Empowering vocational students : a research-based framework for computational thinking integration}}, url = {{http://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020206}}, volume = {{14}}, year = {{2024}}, }
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