The effect of computer programming education on children's problem-solving skills

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of computer programming education on children?s problem-solving skills. Also students? and parents? views about computer programming education are examined in this research.17 students at the stage of 5th grade from different schools in Ankara participated in this research. Case study design was used in this research and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Computer programming education is studied with children for 8 weeks and variety of activities done. At the end of the study, students prepared projects with programming language they learned.The data related with the students? problem-solving process were collected with participant observation; students? projects were evaluated with a problem-solving rubric and semi-structured interviews done with students and their parents to collect their views about computer programming education.Research results show that computer programming education is applicable for children at these ages and it has a positive effect on childrens? problem-solving skills. Students reported that they enjoyed the computer programming education; there are positive changes on their computer usage and they really want to attend such these computer educations. Students? parents reported that these educations have a positive effect on their childrens? computer usage and their professional knowledge and skills and childrens need these educations.