Use matrix-based fiber crafts as a context for computational learning to broaden computing cultures¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 5 claims (5 for) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 5 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The article recommends fiber crafts as a promising context for computational learning: introducing weaving and fabric manipulation lets learners perform variables, conditionals, and functions through tangible materials without computing being named upfront. Because "fiber crafts can support the performance of computational concepts," educators can use these matrix-based crafts to widen the materials associated with domain learning. The article frames this as contributing "a material direction to fostering more inclusive and sustainable computing cultures" that can inform educational designs including a multiplicity of material approaches.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Matrix-based crafts (warp thread matrices for weaving, checkered matrices for sewing) and materials connected to socio-historically underrepresented populations in STEM.

Constraints¶

• The article notes that looking at a limited set of materials alone risks designing tangibles without considering a plurality of computational learning; findings derive from qualitative analysis of two craft units rather than measured learning gains.

Target Learners¶

• middle school students
• populations underrepresented in computing

Target Learning Goals¶

• computational concepts
• widening participation in computing

Affordances¶

• Material Syntonicity

Claims¶

• Fabric manipulation (sewing) supports middle school students' performance of the computational concepts variables, conditionals, and functions [+W]
• Computation in fabric manipulation is characterized as speculative physical 3D modeling [+W]
• Middle school students experienced their craft performance as computational, connecting weaving and sewing to loops and coding [+W]
• Computation in weaving is characterized by the performance of automation, with student-loom patterns moving from irregular to regular over time [+W]
• Weaving supports middle school students' performance of the computational concepts variables, conditionals, and functions [+W]

Related Strategies¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Anna Keune (2022). Material syntonicity: Examining computational performance and its materiality through weaving and sewing crafts. Journal of the Learning Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1080/10508406.2022.2100704