A review of barriers and benefits for implementing computational thinking initiatives in secondary schools

Authors

  • Nur Nadhirah Ahamad Said Faculty of Computing and Meta-Technology, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, Malaysia.
  • Hafizul Fahri Hanafi Faculty of Computing and Meta-Technology, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, Malaysia
  • Fatin Hana Naning Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus, Sarawak, Malaysia
  • Muliyati Mat Alim Faculty of Languages and Communication, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, Malaysia.
  • Ika Parma Dewi Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37134/jictie.vol11.1.10.2024

Keywords:

computational thinking, narrative review, secondary education, barriers, benefits

Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) has become an essential skill for students to develop in preparation for an increasingly digital world. CT is widely recognized as a fundamental literacy important for student success across disciplines. However, significant barriers exist to integrating CT initiatives in secondary grades due to packed curricula, assessments, lack of teacher preparation, and the perception of CT as an isolated skill. This narrative review aims to analyse secondary schools' major obstacles and the significant advantages they can attain in instituting computational thinking programs. A narrative analysis of recent literature synthesizes the two key themes, namely the barriers and benefits related to secondary CT integration to elucidate the necessary trade-offs, priorities, and costs to provide well-informed, equitable recommendations for implementing solutions. In summary, while the integration of CT in secondary schools is imperative for equipping students with future-ready skills, it requires addressing teacher misconceptions and structural barriers. Properly prioritized, CT literacy has the potential to revolutionize secondary education pedagogy and empower students to become proactive creators of technology.

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Published

2024-05-13

How to Cite

Ahamad Said, N. N., Hanafi, H. F., Naning, F. H., Mat Alim, M., & Ika Parma Dewi. (2024). A review of barriers and benefits for implementing computational thinking initiatives in secondary schools. Journal of ICT in Education, 11(1), 127–140. https://doi.org/10.37134/jictie.vol11.1.10.2024