Performing Algorithms: Weaving as Promising Context for Computational Learning

Abstract

An important aspect of diversifying STEM fields, including computing, is to better understand how tools and materials that are associated with socio-historical practices of underrepresented populations are aligned with disciplinary concepts and what these materials contribute to teaching and learning. Taking a constructionist stance, this study builds on the precedent of electronic textiles in the learning sciences to investigate the alignment of nonelectronically augmented fiber crafts with core computer science concepts through the idea of epistemological pluralism. Through an artifact analysis with computer science instructors, the study found that weaving and manipulating fabric are aligned with core computational concepts and that one craft activity requires multiple approaches to computational concepts. The work points to a particular instance of epistemological pluralism and the potential of fiber crafts as a context for understanding transfer of computational concepts across multiple representations.