Embodied design: A framework for teaching practices focused on the early development of computational thinking

Computational thinking, as an essential competency for the future development of citizens, is an important goal of computer science instruction. Although studies have shown that early exposure to computer programming is beneficial for improving computational thinking, current programming instruction does not systematically consider the factors that influence the development of computational thinking. To promote the early development of computational thinking, we analyzed the main factors that influence the development of computational thinking in terms of learners' cognitive level, instructional content, and technological environment. Therefore, this study proposes a teaching framework for developing computational thinking based on embodied cognitive theory. This teaching framework shows how to choose a suitable technological environment, design the appropriate content and apply adequate methods to effectively promote students' computational thinking development.