Call for Chapters: Empowering Early Education With Computational Thinking, AI, and STEM

Editors

Stamatios Papadakis, University of Crete, Greece
Michail Kalogiannakis, University of Thessaly, Greece, Greece

Call for Chapters

Proposals Submission Deadline: June 28, 2024
Full Chapters Due: July 30, 2024
Submission Date: July 30, 2024

Introduction

In today's fast-changing digital world, there is excellent potential in incorporating computational thinking, artificial intelligence (AI), and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into early childhood learning environments. As educators, researchers, and supporters, we are at the forefront of a transformative era where we can nurture young minds to become skilled problem solvers, critical thinkers, and innovators prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

This is where Empowering Early Education With Computational Thinking, AI and STEM comes in. This book sheds light on the significant impact of integrating computational thinking, AI technologies, and STEM concepts into early education curricula. From boosting creativity and logical reasoning to developing a deep understanding of technological principles, this book champions a holistic approach to preparing our youngest learners for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.



Objective

The primary objective of Empowering Early Education With Computational Thinking, AI, and STEM is to provide a comprehensive and authoritative resource that bridges the gap between theory and practice in early childhood education. At its core, this book seeks to accomplish three overarching goals:

Advance Understanding: This book aims to deepen our collective understanding of integrating computational thinking, artificial intelligence, and STEM education within early childhood learning environments. We endeavour to elucidate the underlying principles, mechanisms, and pedagogical strategies that underpin effective instruction in these domains through rigorous scholarship, empirical research, and theoretical frameworks.

Promote Innovation: This book inspires educators, policymakers, and stakeholders worldwide to embrace novel methodologies for fostering computational thinking, AI literacy, and STEM competencies among young children by showcasing innovative approaches, best practices, and exemplary case studies. Through concrete examples and practical insights, we aim to spark creativity and innovation in early childhood education settings worldwide.

Empower Educators: Central to our mission is empowering educators to integrate computational thinking, AI, and STEM concepts effectively into their teaching practice. By providing actionable guidance, adaptable lesson plans, and evidence-based recommendations, we seek to equip teachers with the practical knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to cultivate 21st-century skills in their students. Moreover, we aim to foster a community of practice wherein educators can share insights, collaborate on curriculum development, and elevate early childhood education quality worldwide.



Target Audience

Empowering Early Education With Computational Thinking, AI, and STEM is meticulously crafted to resonate with diverse stakeholders invested in the holistic development of young learners in the digital age. The primary target audience includes:

  • Educators: This book is for early childhood educators, classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, and educational administrators seeking to enhance their pedagogical practices and integrate computational thinking, AI, and STEM concepts into their teaching repertoire. It provides practical guidance, innovative strategies, and evidence-based insights to empower educators to engage young children in meaningful learning experiences effectively.
  • Researchers: Scholars, academics, and researchers in education, psychology, computer science, and related disciplines will find this book to be a valuable resource for advancing theoretical frameworks, conducting empirical research, and exploring new avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration. This volume's diverse perspectives and methodologies offer fertile ground for further inquiry and exploration.
  • Policymakers: Policymakers, government officials, and advocates for education reform will benefit from the insights and recommendations offered in this book as they seek to inform policy decisions, allocate resources, and shape educational initiatives to promote digital literacy, equity, and excellence in early childhood education.
  • Technology Developers: Innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology developers working in the fields of educational technology, AI, and STEM education will find inspiration and guidance in this book for designing and implementing innovative tools, platforms, and learning environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills in young children.
  • Parents and Caregivers: Parents, caregivers, and family members play a crucial role in supporting children's learning and development outside formal educational settings. This book offers practical tips, actionable advice, and insightful perspectives to empower parents and caregivers to nurture their children's curiosity, cultivate a growth mindset, and foster a love for learning in the home environment.


Recommended Topics

  • Theoretical Foundations of Computational Thinking in Early Childhood Education
  • Integrating AI Technologies into Early Childhood Learning Environments
  • Designing Developmentally Appropriate STEM Curriculum for Young Children
  • Playful Approaches to Teaching Coding and Programming Concepts
  • Cultivating Creativity and Innovation Through Maker Education
  • Fostering Collaboration and Communication Skills in STEM Learning Activities
  • Addressing Equity and Inclusion in Computational Thinking and STEM Education
  • Assessing and Evaluating Computational Thinking Skills in Early Childhood
  • Professional Development and Training for Educators in Integrating Computational Thinking and AI into Curriculum
  • Leveraging Digital Tools and Resources to Support STEM Learning in Early Childhood
  • Parent and Caregiver Engagement Strategies for Nurturing STEM Skills at Home
  • Ethical Considerations and Responsible Use of AI Technologies in Early Education Settings
  • Case Studies and Exemplary Practices in Integrating Computational Thinking, AI, and STEM into Early Childhood Education


Submission Procedure

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before June 28, 2024, a chapter proposal of 1,000 to 2,000 words clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors will be notified by July 4, 2024 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines. Full chapters are expected to be submitted by July 30, 2024, and all interested authors must consult the guidelines for manuscript submissions at https://www.igi-global.com/publish/contributor-resources/before-you-write/ prior to submission. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.

Note: There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts submitted to this book publication, Empowering Early Education With Computational Thinking, AI, and STEM. All manuscripts are accepted based on a double-blind peer review editorial process.

All proposals should be submitted through the eEditorial Discovery® online submission manager.



Publisher

This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global (formerly Idea Group Inc.), an international academic publisher of the "Information Science Reference" (formerly Idea Group Reference), "Medical Information Science Reference," "Business Science Reference," and "Engineering Science Reference" imprints. IGI Global specializes in publishing reference books, scholarly journals, and electronic databases featuring academic research on a variety of innovative topic areas including, but not limited to, education, social science, medicine and healthcare, business and management, information science and technology, engineering, public administration, library and information science, media and communication studies, and environmental science. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit https://www.igi-global.com. This publication is anticipated to be released in 2025.



Important Dates

June 28, 2024: Proposal Submission Deadline
July4, 2024: Notification of Acceptance
July 30, 2024: Full Chapter Submission
August 4, 2024: Review Results Returned
September 1, 2024: Final Acceptance Notification
September 8, 2024: Final Chapter Submission



Inquiries

Stamatios Papadakis
University of Crete
stpapadakis@uoc.gr

Michail Kalogiannakis
University of Thessaly, Greece
mkalogian@uth.gr



Classifications


Computer Science and Information Technology; Education; Social Sciences and Humanities
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