Browsing by Author "Heyns, Jana"

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    Development of a framework of factors essential to the optimal implementation of the coding and robotics subject in South African schools
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-11) Heyns, Jana; Van Eeden, J; Van Rooyen, GJ; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Industrial Engineering. Engineering Management (MEM).
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) introduced technological innovation, which led to digital transformation in the workplace. This transformation demands that employees be equipped with 21st-century skills to keep up with the fast-paced development. The Department of Basic Education South Africa plans to prepare students for these demands by introducing the subject of Coding and Robotics from grades R to 9 to the national school curriculum. However, there is a lack of research available on the practical aspects that a school should consider in the unique South African school context. This study contributed to the research by developing a framework of factors that a school should consider when implementing the subject of Coding and Robotics in SA primary schools. The context of the study was provided by investigating the benefits of Coding and Robotics as part of STEM education in the context of the 4IR. The framework was developed by first reviewing relevant literature and policy statements from countries that already teach the subject in their schools. This information was used to identify draft factors that impact the successful implementation of the subject. The draft factors were used as input in the data collection process. Eleven Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) were curated to participate in the study. The SMEs include teachers with Coding and Robotics teaching experience, teaching experts related to the development of computational thinking skills and owners or employees of private robotics education providers. Following a snowball method, interviews were conducted with the SMEs to provide practical insights into the considerations of the implementation in the SA context. Their suggestions and experiences were analysed to populate the framework of factors. The six factors included in the framework are the teacher, infrastructure, artefacts, curriculum, support network, and budget. Each factor was expanded into attributes that provided more detailed considerations and suggestions. A synthesis of the interviews revealed the existence of specific challenges faced by the participants in the SA context. The possibility of certain relationships existing among the factors was discovered. These hierarchies and influences were explored, although conclusive results could not be drawn due to the limited dataset. Nonetheless, the limited observations suggested that the teacher factor is considered the most influential in the process of successfully implementing the subject of Coding and Robotics, which could suggest prioritising it during the implementation process. The research was carefully evaluated to ensure the soundness of the findings. The continuous verification and validation strategy confirmed the reliability of the developed framework. The expanded factors present a practical overview of the considerations that will influence the success of the implementation of Coding and Robotics in SA primary schools.