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How to Cultivate Computational Thinking-Enabled Engineers: A Case Study on the Robotics Class of Zhejiang University

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Conference

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Tampa, Florida

Publication Date

June 15, 2019

Start Date

June 15, 2019

End Date

June 19, 2019

Conference Session

Curriculum and Assessment II

Tagged Division

Computing and Information Technology

Page Count

15

DOI

10.18260/1-2--32901

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/32901

Download Count

447

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Paper Authors

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Jingshan Wu Zhejiang University

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Postdoctoral Fellow of Institute of China's Science, Technology and Education Strategy, Zhejiang University; Lecturer, School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics

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Yujie Wang Zhejiang University

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Postgraduate of Institute of China's Science,Technology and Education Strate, Zhejiang University

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Hanbing Kong Zhejiang University

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Hanbing Kong, PhD
Deputy Director, the Research Center for S&T, Education Policy, and Associate Professor of Management, Zhejiang University, and JEE Liaison for Research in Higher Education of Engineering.

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Ling Zhu Zhejiang University

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Professor of Institute of China's Science,Technology and Education Strategy;Deputy Director of the Institute of Engineering Education, Zhejiang University.

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Abstract

Computational Thinking (CT) is typically construed as an essential competence in solving problems and designing complex systems in the digital world. Robotics programs provide learning environments for acquiring core computational thinking skills. This study first proposes a framework of computational thinking in the context of engineering (CT-ENG), using qualitative content analysis on industry interviews. The authors then introduce the program of the Robotics Class of Zhejiang University in China, providing an integrative approach to teaching computational thinking effectively. The Robotics Class engages students in project-based computing-aided engineering activities throughout the four-year bachelor’s program, and improves their computational thinking skills through engineering engagement. The findings in this study could have some implications for non-CS engineering majors to promote computing education and equip students with computational thinking at digital era.

Key Words: Computational Thinking, Engineering with Big E, Robotics, Case Study

Wu, J., & Wang, Y., & Kong, H., & Zhu, L. (2019, June), How to Cultivate Computational Thinking-Enabled Engineers: A Case Study on the Robotics Class of Zhejiang University Paper presented at 2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Tampa, Florida. 10.18260/1-2--32901

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