The teachers’ voice: Using photovoice and concept mapping to evaluate an innovative prekindergarten robotics program
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of a photovoice evaluation of a robotics and programming project for prekindergarten (RAPP). RAPP researchers developed and implemented the program at three urban childcare centers in six teacher’s classrooms. All of the teachers of prekindergarteners and rising prekindergarteners had opportunities to use the robot, KIBO, during implementation. Photovoice, using ten RAPP teachers, provided visual images as evidence and promoted sharing knowledge and experiences. Teachers submitted photographs of their children engaging with KIBO and participated in two discussions with their researcher concerning the pictures. At both times, the discussions were audio recorded and summarized. Researchers concept mapped the interviews to identify and communicate common themes. In order of importance to the teachers, the children when using KIBO were engaged, worked independently of the teachers and cooperatively with classmates, were persistent, learned academic knowledge and skills, and developed problem solving skills.
Publication Title
Communications in Computer and Information Science
Volume
635
First Page
241
Last Page
254
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1007/978-3-319-45501-3_19
ISSN
18650929
ISBN
9783319455006
Citation Information
Carlson, Wehry, S., & McLemore, B. (2016). The Teachers’ Voice: Using Photovoice and Concept Mapping to Evaluate an Innovative Prekindergarten Robotics Program. In Innovating with Concept Mapping (pp. 241–254). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45501-3_19