A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Task Design and Intervention Model for Integrating Computational Thinking into Primary Mathematics;




AuthorsParviainen, Marika

PublisherVilnius University, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics

Publication year2026

Journal: Informatics in Education

Volume25

Issue2

First page 111

Last page134

ISSN1648-5831

eISSN2335-8971

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.15388/infedu.2604.023

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.15388/infedu.2604.023

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/527084106

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

The integration of computational thinking (CT) into mathematics education has attracted increasing attention; however, there is limited methodological clarity about how CT can be systematically embedded in primary mathematics instruction. In particular, em pirical research linking CT to multi-step mathematical problem-solving remains scarce. This paper presents the design and implementation of a task-based intervention model developed within the DigiMaths4All project. The model incorporates CT into primary mathematics through a structured framework for task selection and design, combined with implementation in a technology-enhanced learning environment (ViLLE). Mathemati cal tasks focus on arithmetic fluency and multi-step problem solving, while CT tasks are tailored to operationalize key processes such as decomposition, abstraction, algorithmic thinking, and debugging. The intervention was carried out through a class-based random ized controlled trial in primary education, comparing traditional instruction with tech nology-supported approaches, including an integrated mathematics CT model. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating assessments and learning analytics data to examine implementation processes. The main contribution of this paper is methodological. It offers a replicable framework for (1) designing interventions that incorporate CT into mathematics, (2) selecting and constructing aligned task sets, and (3) implementing these tasks within an analytics-driven digital environment. The findings enhance understanding of how CT can be operationalized to support mathematical problem solving in primary education.



Keywords:
computational thinkingprimary educationtask designTechnology-enhanced learning

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Funding information in the publication
This study (No PEDU2313) is cofunded by the European Union (the project “Breakthrough
in Educational Research” No 10044P0001) under the 1st April 2025 Agreement with the
Research Council of Lithuania and the 15th April Joint Activity Agreement with Vilnius
University. Additional funding is provided by the Research Council of Finland (EDUCA
Flagship #358924, #358947) and the Ministry of Education and Culture (Doctoral school
pilot #VN/3137/2024OKM4).


Last updated on 18/08/2026 01:20:11 PM