Examining the Current Definitions of Computational Thinking

Computational thinking involves understanding human behavior, designing systems and solving problems by applying the mental tools that reflect the computer science and basic concepts. Development of frameworks of computational thinking helps integrate computational thinking into education and daily life. It is important for students to start using the computational methods and tools as well as algorithmic problem solving in their educations from kindergarten level to university level. Importance of training on programming at early age was explained. In addition, the current situation of programming in education in the world was reviewed. Then curricula and projects in different countries were summarized. It is necessary to start studies at an early age to help individuals acquire these skills.

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Examining the Current Definitions of Computational Thinking

Advances in Early Childhood and K-12 Education - Teaching Computational Thinking in Primary Education ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-3200-2.ch003 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 36-64 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kadir Demir ◽

Cansu Çaka ◽

Nihal Dulkadir Yaman ◽

Hakan İslamoğlu ◽

Abdullah Kuzu

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Computer Science ◽

Human Behavior ◽

Daily Life ◽

Computational Thinking ◽

Current Situation ◽

Early Age ◽

Algorithmic Problem ◽

The World ◽

Basic Concepts

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Computational and Mathematical Thinking

Cognitive Skills You Need for the 21st Century ◽

10.1093/oso/9780197529003.003.0019 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 221-231

Author(s):

Stephen K. Reed

Keyword(s):

Computer Science ◽

Advanced Placement ◽

Mathematical Thinking ◽

Computational Thinking ◽

Science Courses ◽

Computer Science Courses ◽

The World ◽

Basic Concepts ◽

K 12 ◽

The Impact

Computational thinking is a way of solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior that draws on concepts fundamental to computer science. The advanced placement course, AP Computer Science Principles, introduces students to basic concepts and challenges them to explore how computing and technology impact the world. Computational thinking across the K–12 curriculum compliments, rather than competes with, efforts to expand computer science education. Computer science courses include algorithmic thinking, logic, abstraction, decomposition, and debugging. Computational and mathematical thinking have much in common. The book In Pursuit of the Unknown: 17 Equations that Changed the World is an excellent introduction to mathematical thinking by describing the impact of equations.

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Algorithmic Puzzles

10.1093/oso/9780199740444.001.0001 ◽

2011 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anany Levitin ◽

Maria Levitin

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Computer Science ◽

Algorithm Design ◽

Divide And Conquer ◽

Algorithmic Problem ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Job Interviews ◽

Skill Levels ◽

Problem Solving Skills ◽

Solution Methods

While many think of algorithms as specific to computer science, at its core algorithmic thinking is defined by the use of analytical logic to solve problems. This logic extends far beyond the realm of computer science and into the wide and entertaining world of puzzles. In Algorithmic Puzzles, Anany and Maria Levitin use many classic brainteasers as well as newer examples from job interviews with major corporations to show readers how to apply analytical thinking to solve puzzles requiring well-defined procedures. The book's unique collection of puzzles is supplemented with carefully developed tutorials on algorithm design strategies and analysis techniques intended to walk the reader step-by-step through the various approaches to algorithmic problem solving. Mastery of these strategies--exhaustive search, backtracking, and divide-and-conquer, among others--will aid the reader in solving not only the puzzles contained in this book, but also others encountered in interviews, puzzle collections, and throughout everyday life. Each of the 150 puzzles contains hints and solutions, along with commentary on the puzzle's origins and solution methods. The only book of its kind, Algorithmic Puzzles houses puzzles for all skill levels. Readers with only middle school mathematics will develop their algorithmic problem-solving skills through puzzles at the elementary level, while seasoned puzzle solvers will enjoy the challenge of thinking through more difficult puzzles.

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Computational Thinking and Mathematics

Leadership and Personnel Management ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-9624-2.ch037 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 853-865

Author(s):

Thiago Schumacher Barcelos ◽

Ismar Frango Silveira

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Computer Science ◽

Basic Education ◽

National Curriculum ◽

Computational Thinking ◽

Thinking Skills ◽

Educational Systems ◽

Curriculum Guidelines ◽

And Mathematics ◽

The One

On the one hand, ensuring that students archive adequate levels of Mathematical knowledge by the time they finish basic education is a challenge for the educational systems in several countries. On the other hand, the pervasiveness of computer-based devices in everyday situations poses a fundamental question about Computer Science being part of those known as basic sciences. The development of Computer Science (CS) is historically related to Mathematics; however, CS is said to have singular reasoning mechanics for problem solving, whose applications go beyond the frontiers of Computing itself. These problem-solving skills have been defined as Computational Thinking skills. In this chapter, the possible relationships between Math and Computational Thinking skills are discussed in the perspective of national curriculum guidelines for Mathematics of Brazil, Chile, and United States. Three skills that can be jointly developed by both areas are identified in a literature review. Some challenges and implications for educational research and practice are also discussed.

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Defining a New 21st Century Skill-Computational Thinking: Concepts and Trends

International Education Studies ◽

10.5539/ies.v11n4p29 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 29 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Halil Ibrahim Haseski ◽

Ulas Ilic ◽

Ufuk Tugtekin

Keyword(s):

Content Analysis ◽

Problem Solving ◽

21St Century ◽

Daily Life ◽

Computational Thinking ◽

Comprehensive Approach ◽

21St Century Skill

Computational Thinking is a skill that guides the 21th century individual in the problems experienced during daily life and it has an ever-increasing significance. Multifarious definitions were attempted to explain the concept of Computational Thinking. However, it was determined that there was no consensus on this matter in the literature and several different concepts were mentioned in the definitions found in the literature. It was considered that this fact made it difficult to understand the concept of Computational Thinking. To establish a more comprehensive approach, the present study aimed to identify the concepts that are included in the Computational Thinking definitions that were presented in previous studies. It also aimed to reveal trends in the identified concepts throughout the years. As a result of the search, a total of 59 definitions were identified and a content analysis was conducted on these definitions. Analysis results demonstrated that Computational Thinking was defined based on several concepts such as problem solving, technology, thinking, individual and social qualities. Furthermore, it was determined that statements on thinking were prominent before 2006, and today, emphasis on problem solving and technology became more significant. It was considered that the present study would contribute to a better understanding of the Computational Thinking concept. At the end of the study, certain suggestions were presented for further research.

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University Students' Attitude and Anxiety Towards Computer Science Education through Computational Thinking

Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education (TURCOMAT) ◽

10.17762/turcomat.v12i6.2090 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 755-760

Author(s):

Youngseok Lee Et.al

Keyword(s):

Science Education ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Computer Science ◽

Learning Effect ◽

Computer Science Education ◽

Computational Thinking ◽

Average Score ◽

Problem Solving Skills ◽

Programming Education ◽

Learning Technique

Background/Objectives: In the 21st century, communication and collaboration between people is an important element of talent. As artificial intelligence (AI), the cutting edge of computer science, develops, AI and collaboration will become important in the near future. Methods/Statistical analysis: To achieve this, it is necessary to understand how artificial AI based on computer science works, and how problem-based programming education is effective in computer science education. In this study, 177 college students who received programming education focused on problem-solving learning were identified with computational thinking (CT) at the beginning of the semester, and their satisfaction and post-education satisfaction survey showed that their attitudes and interests influenced their education. Findings: To pretest the learners, they were diagnosed using a measurement sheet. The learners’ current knowledge statuses were checked, and the correlation between the evaluation results, based on what was taught according to the problem-solving learning technique, was analyzed according to the proposed method. The analysis of the group average score of the learners showed that the learning effect was significant. The results of the measures of the students’ CT at the beginning of the semester were correlated with problem-solving learning, teaching method, lecture satisfaction, and other environmental factors. The ability to solve a variety of problems using CT will become increasingly important, so if students seek to improve their satisfaction with problem-solving learning techniques for computer science education, it will be possible for universities to develop convergence talent more efficiently. Improvements/Applications: if you pursue a problem-solving learning technique and a way to improve students’ satisfaction, it will help students improve their problem-solving skills. If the method of deriving and improving computational thinking ability in this paper is applied to computer education, it will induce student interest, thereby increasing the learning effect.

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Experiences in Learning Problem-Solving through Computational Thinking

Journal of Computer Science and Technology ◽

10.24215/16666038.18.e15 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (02) ◽

pp. e15 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jacqueline M. Fernández ◽

Mariela E. Zúñiga ◽

María V. Rosas ◽

Roberto A. Guerrero

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Computer Science ◽

Computational Thinking ◽

First Year ◽

Learning Problem ◽

Introductory Course ◽

San Luis ◽

National University ◽

And Mathematics ◽

Problem Solving Process

Computational Thinking (CT) represents a possible alternative for improving students’ academic performance in higher level degree related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This work describes two different experimental proposals with the aim of introducing computational thinking to the problem solving issue. The first one was an introductory course in the Faculty of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (FCFMyN) in 2017, for students enrolled in computer science related careers. The other experience was a first attempt to introduce CT to students and teachers belonging to not computer related faculties at the National University of San Luis (UNSL). Both initiatives use CT as a mean of improving the problem solving process based on the four following elementary concepts: Decomposition, Abstraction, Recognition of patterns and Algorithm. The results of the experiences indicate the relevance of including CT in the learning problem solving issue in different fields. The experiences also conclude that a mandatory CT related course is necessary for those careers having computational problems solving and/or programming related subjects during the first year of their curricula. Part of this work was presented at the XXIII Argentine Congress of Computer Science (CACIC).

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A game proposal to develop Computational Thinking and environmental awareness

Journal on Computational Thinking (JCThink) ◽

10.14210/jcthink.v3.n1.p111 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 111

Author(s):

Fernanda Pires ◽

Fabrizio F. Honda ◽

Guibson Silva ◽

Rafaela Melo ◽

Rosiane De Freitas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Problem Solving ◽

Computer Science ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Development Process ◽

School Context ◽

Cognitive Structure ◽

Computational Thinking ◽

Educational Game ◽

Agile Methodologies ◽

Directed Learning

INTRODUCTION: Discussions around the development of Computational Thinking have demanded efforts to propose methods, techniques and tools that can assist in this process, especially in the school context. This paper deals with the development of an educational game with the theme "Environment and Sustainability" involving the pillars of Computational Thinking. OBJECTIVE: The game aims to assist the development of Computational Thinking by solving the problems to be solved in the missions of the heroine Sofia. The proposal for creating the game points out ways to create tools that work across curriculum themes. Tactics usually incorporated into the algorithmic language that permeate the problem solving processes in Computer Science be used. METHOD: The creation of the game followed a development process based on agile methodologies. The human cognitive structure was considered together with the intertwining between the games and the four pillars of Computational Thinking for the composition of an architecture applied to the game map. RESULTS: The evaluation of the game map regarding the "algorithmization" of the phases fulfilled the requirements regarding the location of the pillars (Decomposition, Pattern, Abstraction and Algorithm). The game, as an entertainment product, was evaluated using the E-Game Flow which pointed to acceptance by the evaluators (undergraduate students in the Computing area) and some suggestions for improvement were recorded. CONCLUSION: Games are presented as an important tool regarding the development process of Computational Thinking considering the engagement they can cause in their users and the possibilities of using their mechanics for directed learning.

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Computational Thinking in Innovative Computational Environments and Coding

Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, Fourth Edition ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-2255-3.ch208 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 2392-2401

Author(s):

Alberto Ferrari ◽

Agostino Poggi ◽

Michele Tomaiuolo

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Primary School ◽

Computer Science ◽

Human Behavior ◽

21St Century ◽

Scientific Community ◽

Basic Skills ◽

Computational Thinking ◽

Academic Courses ◽

The Three Rs

The concept of Computational Thinking has been discussed for several decades and in recent years has been brought to the attention of the scientific community by Jeanette Wing. Her article presents Computational Thinking as “a way of solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior that draws on concepts fundamental to computer science”. The importance of Computational Thinking places it among the basic skills for 21st century, together with reading, writing and calculation, that every person will have to master, so it is important to teach it already in primary school. As the invention of printing facilitated the spread of the three Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic) the technology must lead to the spread of Computational Thinking. This chapter will introduce the research on Computational Thinking and, in particular, the works on innovative computational environments, and will describe the situation of the education to CT in high school and in academic courses.

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The Artist's Move

Advances in Data Mining and Database Management - Handbook of Research on Big Data Storage and Visualization Techniques ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-3142-5.ch027 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 782-808

Author(s):

Kim Grover-Haskin

Keyword(s):

Big Data ◽

Creative Process ◽

Computational Thinking ◽

Early Age ◽

Dance Performance ◽

The World ◽

History Of ◽

Evolution Of Technology ◽

Loie Fuller ◽

Dance And Technology

Dance and technology have been partners from an early age. In 1892 Loie Fuller recognized the potential in the latest theater lighting technologies that would enable her to creatively explore her dance and dance performance. Like Fuller, as technologies emerged to the world at large, dance artists began to explore the effect such technologies would have on their art. Eventually, explorations of dance and technology focused on how computers contributed to the performance of dance. This chapter will review the history of dance and technology culminating into a discussion of the next evolution of technology in the discipline of dance, the potential computational thinking and Big Data bring to the visualization of the creative process. Particular emphasis will focus on how the work, Synchronous Objects One Flat Thing reproduced, exemplifies the convergence of dance, technology, Big Data and visualization.

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