When thinking of early childhood STEM, images of active, play-based design challenges, experiences with robotics/coding, or hands-on experiences with open-ended materials (e.g., balls, ramps, loose parts) often come to mind. While these are certainly images that align with developmentally appropriate early childhood STEM practices, some of the…

Analogical reasoning is considered to be a critical cognitive skill in programming. However, it has been rarely studied in a block-based programming context, especially involving both virtual and physical objects. In this multi-case study, we examined how novice programming learners majoring in early childhood education used analogical reasoning…

Computer science can be included in Early Childhood Education (ECE) through the use of block-based coding and robots. But this requires adequate preparation of ECE teachers to work with coding and robots, and integrate such into high quality lesson plans. In this paper, we investigate predictors of lesson plan quality among preservice, early…

In this qualitative study, preservice early childhood education teachers created block-based code to control robots and used the robots in field experience at local preschools. The study is grounded in a conceptual framework that weaves together playful programing and resilience, interlocking concepts that can explain sustained engagement during…

The research is devoted to the actual problem of upgrading the existing model of robotics training in connection with the urgent need for implementing a strategy for training highly qualified specialists in the most demanded and promising sectors of the future, taking into account the requirements of business, society, and the State. The aim of…