Technologically-rich computational activities in K–12 education: a systematic review of constructivist and constructionist interventions.

The interest in computing learning activities is continuously increasing, keeping pace with the evolution of educational technologies. This rise in engagement is evident within approaches grounded in constructivism and constructionism, which provide an ideal setting for the spectrum of skills, liter...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Behaviour & Information Technology Vol. 45; no. 2; pp. 197 - 237
Main Authors: Possaghi, Isabella, Papavlasopoulou, Sofia
Format: research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd Feb2026
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
fields @attributes:
  recordID: 1
pdfLink:
plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=191178588&site=ehost-live
header:
  @attributes:
    shortDbName: ccm
    uiTerm: 191178588
    longDbName: CINAHL Complete
    uiTag: AN
  controlInfo:
    bkinfo:
    dissinfo:
    jinfo:
      jid:
        0144929X
        B6Q
      jtl: Behaviour & Information Technology
      issn: 0144929X
      maglogo: Y
    pubinfo:
      dt: Feb2026
      vid: 45
      iid: 2
      pid: 377
      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
      place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    artinfo:
      ui:
        191178588
        185803434
        191178588
        191178588
        10.1080/0144929X.2025.2513569
        191178588
      ppf: 197
      ppct: 40
      formats:
      tig:
        atl: Technologically-rich computational activities in K–12 education: a systematic review of constructivist and constructionist interventions.
      aug:
        au:
          Possaghi, Isabella
          Papavlasopoulou, Sofia
        affil: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
      sug:
        subj:
          Computers and Computerization Education
          Artificial Intelligence
          Schools, Elementary
          Schools, Middle
          Schools, Secondary
          Human
          Systematic Review
          Algorithms
          Computing Methodologies
          Machine Learning
          Funding Source
      ab: The interest in computing learning activities is continuously increasing, keeping pace with the evolution of educational technologies. This rise in engagement is evident within approaches grounded in constructivism and constructionism, which provide an ideal setting for the spectrum of skills, literacies, and competencies that global initiatives capitalise on in K–12 education. Due to recent advancements in technology and societal changes, we are addressing the need for an updated perspective focussed on designing and implementing computational activities. To achieve this, we have analysed forty-six peer-reviewed empirical studies from the last decade to summarise technology-supported learning strategies' current direction and future potential. The main findings describe programming software and IoT as the preferred digital tools, often presented in novel combinations, extensions, and contextualisations. Implementation primarily occurs within the domain of computer science but exhibits a high degree of interdisciplinarity. Furthermore, there is an increase in activities referring to real-life scenarios, encouraging learners to develop computational skills beyond the classroom and expand their digital awareness through interaction with emerging technologies. We leverage these trends and significant patterns by proposing a summary of focal points for future research and practice, with a focus on activity design.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        systematic review
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
    refInfo:
    holdings:
      @attributes:
        islocal: N