Ina Blau
Papers
2
Total Citations
53
H-Index
2
About
Ina Blau is a leading researcher in educational technology, with a primary focus on the professional development of teachers in coding and robotics, and the cultivation of computational thinking in students. Her work critically examines the pedagogical strategies that effectively integrate Educational Coding and Robotics (ECR) into classrooms, moving beyond simple tool use to explore how teachers can foster higher-order thinking skills. A major contribution is her investigation of teacher centrality—the degree to which a teacher directs learning versus facilitating student-led exploration—in ECR environments. Her most-cited study (2020, 51 citations) demonstrates the added value of Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs) for teacher professional development, showing how such structured online platforms can equip educators with the necessary strategies to guide students in developing computational thinking. This research has significant implications for scaling up effective computer science education, providing a model for training teachers who can confidently navigate the shift from traditional instruction to a more facilitative, student-centered role in technology-rich classrooms. Her work is foundational for educators and researchers seeking to bridge the gap between technological tools and meaningful pedagogical practice.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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