Computational Thinking and Social Skills in Virtuoso: An Immersive, Digital Game-Based Learning Environment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56198/7fvaqq50Keywords:
Minecraft, Autism spectrum disorder, Computational thinking, Immersive learningAbstract
The adoption of computational thinking (CT) has been increasing in K-12 classrooms and curricula. One population that could bene t from early instruction in CT is students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Unfortunately, many individuals with ASD lack the social competencies to success-fully navigate a work environment. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a digital games-based learning intervention for youth with ASD to learn computational thinking and social skills. Dubbed“Virtuoso”, the intervention targets youth with ASD to gain social skills while working together to solve introductory computer programming problems with virtual, programmable robots. One objective is to create learning materials that embed social competency instruction within a CT-focused curriculum. Another objective is to develop an immersive space where participants can work together on curricular content. Using educational design research methods, we are developing and refining instructional interventions so as to maximize their educational impact.
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The papers in this book comprise the proceedings of the meeting mentioned on the cover and title page. They reflect the authors' opinions and, in the interests of timely dissemination, are published as presented and without change. Their inclusion in this publication does not necessarily constitute endorsement by the editors or the Immersive Learning Research Network.
Contact: publications@immersivelrn.org
