Research Summary: Make it SewSimple: Navigating UK Curriculum and Classroom Practice in Secondary Computing Education with E-textiles

This research explores the integration of e-textiles, specifically platforms like SewSimple and BBC micro:bit, into the UK's Key Stage 3 computing education (ages 11-14). It focuses on teacher perceptions and aims to bridge national curriculum requirements with practical classroom application. The study is presented as one of the few UK-based explorations into teachers' experiences with this technology in secondary computing.

Why it matters

This research is strategically important as it examines innovative approaches to technology education, potentially enhancing pedagogical methods and curriculum design in computing. Integrating practical, hands-on technologies like e-textiles can foster engagement and deeper understanding of computational concepts among younger students, which is vital for developing future technological literacy and skills.

Key insights

• The research investigates the potential for integrating e-textiles, such as SewSimple maker kits and BBC micro:bit, into secondary computing education.
• It specifically addresses Key Stage 3 computing education in the UK, targeting students aged 11-14.
• The study considers both the English national curriculum requirements and the practical realities of classroom environments.
• A primary research question is how teachers perceive the inclusion of e-textiles in English secondary school computing education.
• The paper contributes to understanding secondary computing education from the perspective of teachers' direct experiences.

Source

arXiv — Computers and Society — https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.28485