Introducing Computer Science and Arts for All (CSA4ALL): Developing an Inclusive Curriculum and Portal for K5 Children

Abstract

The difficulty of acquiring computer programming skills is a plausible cause for the elevated attrition rates in Computer Science (CS). Music and robotics integrated with computer programming are approaches to engage students in CS by prioritizing personal expression, creativity, and aesthetics. This paper conducts a systematic review of using music and robotics to teach CS concepts to elementary school students. The authors aim to identify the existing problem in the literature to make CS more interactive, accessible, and engaging for students to improve their motivation in enhancing CS concepts and develop creative interpersonal skills. This paper also identifies a mixed-methods study to determine ways to promote CS among elementary school students. The mixed methods describe an adaptation of Blockly, Xylophone, and Dash robots for use in an introductory elementary school-level programming course that will be implemented in an open-access camp at Auburn University where American grades 3–5 will participate in pre-, post-, and follow-up surveys while attending the CS camp. The authors want to demonstrate how music and robotics programming can contribute to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education regarding technology and engineering integration and include existing research studies resulting from the search and review processes. These studies were synthesized according to some common characteristics, including their use of educational robotics, preliminary results, subjects, and potential contributions to STEAM education. A few educational implications of educational robotics are also discussed as possible contributions to technology and engineering education. As a result of this systematic review, using robotics and music in early childhood STEAM education is a promising tool and application for integrating technology and engineering. The study concludes with a summary of the findings on the effectiveness of this approach.