Unlocking the Potential of Mobile Computing for Infusing Computational Thinking Using Social Cognitive Approach in Higher Education Institutes

In the current era of digital technology, computational thinking has become a crucial skill for understanding and analysing the informatics concepts behind every digital occurrence. While research has looked at the effectiveness of technology in education, limited studies have examined the potential of social cognitive learning with a mobile computing approach in developing computational thinking skills among students. This study aimed to analyse students’ perceptions of social cognitive learning using mobile computing to improve their computational skills. Using quantitative methods and purposive sampling, 135 students from Indonesia and the Philippines who were enrolled in social science subjects, using mobile computing with social science concepts, and interested in participating were surveyed. The study found that most students believed that social cognitive learning using mobile computing could significantly enhance their computational thinking skills. Implications were drawn from the study, such as the need for lecturers to have a thorough understanding of technology, various learning activities, and mobile computing apps to improve students’ computational skills and foster a future-oriented mindset. The appropriate social cognitive teaching stages and class design were also suggested as effective ways of developing computational thinking skills.