Developing Computational Thinking of Specialists of the Future Through Designing Computer Games for Educational Purposes

Abstract

The problem that the given paper aims to solve is associated with the need to resolve the contradiction between the requirements of the digital economy for a high level of computational thinking of specialists of the future and an insufficiently developed methodological base for training graduates that meets these requirements.The purpose of the research is to theoretically prove and experimentally verify the need for the use of gamification technology in training of specialists of the future to form computational thinking skills which are most in demand in the digital society.The research methodology includes the analysis and generalization of scientific works on the problem of determining the phenomenon of computational thinking, the use of digital gamification resources in training, and clarifying the requirements for training of highly qualified specialists of the future. The HTML 5 language was used as a software tool. The pedagogical experiment is presented on the example of the assessment of changes in the levels of skills that make up the essence of computational thinking.Results. The paper clarifies the concept of computational thinking and describes the directions of educational and cognitive activity based on the gamification principles which most effectively form computational thinking. The authors formulate didactic principles for the inclusion of computer games to foster students' cognitive activity, support professional self-determination, and develop systematic and critical thinking. Specific materials are proposed to improve the methods, tools, and organizational forms of the training focused on the formation of computational thinking as the basis for the supra-professional skills of specialists of the future.

Formation of foreign language competences of future tourism industry specialists by means of mobile technologies

“…For example, E. V. Soboleva et al showed that games and game-like elements are powerful tools that can be used to focus on learning [18]. The creation of mobile applications for language learning has led to the gamification of this sector: prizes, flash cards and other game features make learning a language informal.…”

The organization of educational-project activities of students to create chatbots as a condition for training of future teachers

“…Особенностью предлагаемого варианта организации учебно-проектной деятельности является то, что для разбиения учебной группы на команды применяется сервис «Колесо фортуны» 7 . Это интерактивная программа, позволяющая автоматизировать случайный выбора участника.…”

“…Зенкиной, М.И. Бочарова [7] о дидактических возможностях современных интерактивных ресурсов в плане формирования востребованных навыков профессионалов будущего.…”

“…Зенкина, М.И. Бочаров обосновывают существование объективной необходимости в подготовке высококвалифицированных специалистов, способных контролировать и управлять процессами обмена данными между пользователями в виртуальной среде взаимодействия [7]. Поэтому автоматизация обработки и распознавания сообщений является логичным и необходимым этапом дальнейшей цифровизации работы образовательного учреждения.…”