The STEM Education of Down Syndrome Children in Algorithmic and Computation Thinking for a sustainable life

Abstract

Down syndrome is considered to be one of the most prevalent genetic causes of intellectual disability, derived from chromosomal disorder, which accounts for dysfunctions in many organs and has a characteristic phenotype, which consists of physical and behavioral features. Many studies have shown that language is one of the most impaired areas of function in Down syndrome and perhaps, the highest barrier for their substantial inclusion into formal education and community. The aim of this paper is to investigate the specific features of this linguistic phenotype, presenting the strengths and weaknesses of their language, as well as the factors that contribute to their formation, compared to normally developing children. In addition, it scopes to highlight the role of educational mobile apps, as innovative and interactive tools for the developmental learning of Down syndrome children. The results of the research indicate that their language goes through the same, with typical development sequences, but progressively erases a slowing trajectory and results in lower performance. However, with STEM education, they can develop math and digital skills, but also programming and computation thinking, in order to acquire basic skills and abilities for independent living and better vocational rehabilitation, as active members of the community.