Contents

Computational Thinking

Added: 20210721-2207

#NoSummary #elementaryinquiry #ct

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Computational Thinking is:

the thought processes involved in formulating problems and their solutions so that the solutions are in a form that can be effectively carried out by an information-processing agent.

- Cuny, Snyder, Wing 2010

Informally, computational thinking describes the mental activity in formulating a problem to admit a computational solution. The solution can be carried out by a human or a machine or, more generally, by combinations of humans and machines.”

The “four pillars” of Computational Thinking

Decomposition

  • Breaking a problem down into smaller, more manageable pieces: Remembering phone numbers; Reading words; Performing arithmetic operations

  • turn larger puzzles into small puzzles

  • “The ability to break down a task {or problem} into minute details so that we can clearly explain a process to another person or to a computer, or even to just write notes for ourselves.”

Pattern Matching (Pattern Recognition)

  • Finding similarities between items as a way of gaining information

  • find similarities between obstacles

  • “The ability to notice similarities or common differences that will help us make predictions or lead us to shortcuts.”

Abstraction (Pattern Generalization)

  • Ignoring certain details in order to come up with a solution that works for a more general problem

  • repurpose a previous solution with new details by abstracting out differences

  • “The ability to filter out information that is not necessary to solve a certain type of problem and generalize the information that is necessary.”

Automating with Algorithms (Algorithm Design)

  • Controlling a process by automatic means, executing tasks using well-defined instructions

  • “The ability to develop a step-by-step strategy for solving a problem.”

Computational Thinking

  1. Digital

  2. Unplugged

    • CS Unplugged

    • Code.org Unplugged 3 - Graph Paper Programming; Main Goal: Help students understand how “coding” works. Sample Drawings/Algorithms Kit; Programming Instructions Card; Large grid graph paper; Markers, pens, or pencils (two or three colors)

ADST ICT