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Computational Storytelling: Computational Thinking with Mirrors and Windows in Mind

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Colorado Convention Center, 405/6/7

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Presenters

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Akaash Arora
Graduate Assistant
Indiana University School of Education Indianapolis
Graduate assistant at IU of Indianapolis for the project CEISL. PhD student in Urban Education Studies.
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AJ Knoors
Project Management Specialist
IUI School of Education
AJ Knoors (she/her/hers) is a research scholar who serves as the Project Management Specialist at CEISL (the Collaborative for Equitable and Inclusive STEM Learning). With a background in counseling, a Master’s degree in education, and several years of experience in advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community, AJ brings a unique perspective to her work. Utilizing a focus on social emotional learning, she attempts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced in education today.
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Dr. Jeremy Price
Associate Professor
IU Indianapolis School of Education
Dr. Jeremy Price is Associate Professor of Technology, Innovation, and Pedagogy in Urban Education and serves as the Primary Investigator and Director for the Collaborative for Equitable and Inclusive STEM Learning (CEISL) and the Digital Education Hub. As a public scholar-collaborator, Dr. Price is invested in using his experiences and expertise to engage and facilitate building capacity and capital in educational settings for marginalized youth and communities to strengthen and sustain an inclusive and just democratic project. He works to prepare educators to use technology for just, equitable, and inclusive purposes that honor learners, their identities, and their communities.

Session description

Computational thinking isn’t just about math! Digital storytelling with Twine is a powerful way to introduce and explore ideas such as algorithms and control (decision patterns). When partnered with the culturally relevant practice of introducing windows and providing mirrors, a DEI approach provides multiple pathways for understanding computational concepts.

Purpose & objective

The purpose of this presentation is to address some of the problematic ways we view computer science and computational thinking. Often times, people from minoritized communities are excluded from these spaces because of barriers and stereotypes. During this session, we want participants to explore ideas around computational thinking but in a new way. By using the educational tool Twine, we will have participants tell a story. While using the Twine app, the participants will practice using a basic computational thinking concept we like to call AC/DC (Algorithm & Control / Diversity & Context). By the end of the session, participants will know how to incorporate a storytelling educational tool (Twine) into their classrooms. Also, participants will know new ways to teach basic concepts surrounding computer science and computational thinking.

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Outline

The presentation will take on the following structure:

1) Presentation of Content (25 minutes): We will present the AC/DC of computational thinking (Algorithms and Control/Diversity and Context) to help participants understand the foundations of the field. Special attention will be paid to the concept of "mirrors and windows" (Simms Bishop, 1990) for selecting appropriate culturally-relevant base stories.

2) Demonstrating Twine (15 minutes): We will show examples of existing culturally-relevant stories in Twine and demonstrate the basic process for adapting a story in Twine.

3) Guided Engagement with Twine (15 minutes): Participants will select an appropriate story to adapt for Twine's nonlinear format and then begin the process of building the story in Twine with computational thinking in mind.

4) Wrap-Up (5 minutes): Participants will be engaged in a discussion on their experiences with Twine and reflecting on connections with teaching computer science and computational thinking in an open and story-directed manner.

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Supporting research

Gavin, A. (2015, July 21). Computer science education: Why does it suck so much and what if it didn’t? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jmN_tBS0t4

Lee, C., & Soep, E. (2023). Code for What? Computer Science for Storytelling and Social Justice. MIT Press.

Liukas, L. (2015, November 13). The poetry of programming. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jRREn6ifEQ

Sims Bishop, R. (1990). Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors. Perspectives, 6(3). https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf

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Session specifications

Topic:
Computer science & computational thinking
Grade level:
6-12
Skill level:
Beginner
Audience:
Coaches, Professional developers, Teachers
Attendee devices:
Devices required
Attendee device specification:
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: iOS, Windows, Android
Participant accounts, software and other materials:
Participants may either use Twine in the browser or download and install it at http://twinery.org/.
Subject area:
Computer science, Language arts
ISTE Standards:
For Educators:
Designer
  • Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.
  • Design authentic learning activities that align with content area standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize active, deep learning.
  • Explore and apply instructional design principles to create innovative digital learning environments that engage and support learning.

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