A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Task Design and Intervention Model for Integrating Computational Thinking into Primary Mathematics; 
Authors: Parviainen, Marika
Publisher: Vilnius University, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Informatics in Education
Volume: 25
Issue: 2
First page : 111
Last page: 134
ISSN: 1648-5831
eISSN: 2335-8971
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15388/infedu.2604.023
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open 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 address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/527084106
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
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 thinking, primary education, task design, Technology-enhanced learning
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
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).