Spatial Thinking as a Path Towards Computational Thinking

2022 ◽  
pp. 270-289
Author(s):  
Derek Allen Ham
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Reasoning ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Spatial Thinking ◽  
Shape Grammars ◽  
New Literacy ◽  
Art And Design ◽  
Viable Method

Considering what we know about computational thinking, how much of this cognitive domain hangs on one's ability to think spatially? Is spatial thinking a hidden foundational property for developing strong computational thinking skills? If coding is the new literacy for 21st century thinking, educators must diversify their methodology of instruction. Mathematics must not be the only pathway to computational thinking, computer science, and coding. This book chapter opens up new insight into spatial reasoning, showing it as a new viable method to give students the computational thinking skills necessary to thrive in STEM fields. Finally, this chapter presents concepts found in shape grammars as a methodology used to teach students how to approach art and design computationally. With shape, grammars we find computational thinking at the center of creative activities.

Spatial Thinking as a Path Towards Computational Thinking

2018 ◽  
pp. 103-122
Author(s):  
Derek Allen Ham
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Reasoning ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Spatial Thinking ◽  
Shape Grammars ◽  
New Literacy ◽  
Art And Design ◽  
Viable Method

Considering what we know about computational thinking, how much of this cognitive domain hangs on one's ability to think spatially? Is spatial thinking a hidden foundational property for developing strong computational thinking skills? If coding is the new literacy for 21st century thinking, educators must diversify their methodology of instruction. Mathematics must not be the only pathway to computational thinking, computer science, and coding. This book chapter opens up new insight into spatial reasoning, showing it as a new viable method to give students the computational thinking skills necessary to thrive in STEM fields. Finally, this chapter presents concepts found in shape grammars as a methodology used to teach students how to approach art and design computationally. With shape, grammars we find computational thinking at the center of creative activities.

scholarly journals Coding as Literacy in Preschool: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 198
Author(s):  
Ana Francisca Monteiro ◽  
Maribel Miranda-Pinto ◽  
António José Osório
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Education ◽  
Developmentally Appropriate ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
School Subject ◽  
New Literacy ◽  
Computational Approaches ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
And Robotics ◽  
Initial Framework

Coding is increasingly recognized as a new literacy that should be encouraged at a young age. This understanding has recontextualized computer science as a compulsory school subject and has informed several developmentally appropriate approaches to computation, including for preschool children. This study focuses on the introduction of three approaches to computation in preschool (3–6 years), specifically computational thinking, programming, and robotics, from a cross-curricular perspective. This paper presents preliminary findings from one of the case studies currently being developed as part of project KML II—Laboratory of Technologies and Learning of Programming and Robotics for Preschool and Elementary School. The purpose of the KML II project is to characterize how approaches to computation can be integrated into preschool and elementary education, across different knowledge domains. The conclusions point to “expression and communication” as an initial framework for computational approaches in preschool, but also to multidisciplinary and more creative methodological activities that offer greater scope for the development of digital and computational competences, as well as for personal and social development.

Computer Science Unplugged: A Systematic Literature Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 004723952110188
Author(s):  
Ali Battal ◽  
Gülgün Afacan Adanır ◽  
Yasemin Gülbahar
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Tangible Programming ◽  
Review Procedure ◽  
Research Studies

The computer science (CS) unplugged approach intends to teach CS concepts and computational thinking skills without employing any digital tools. The current study conducted a systematic literature review to analyze research studies that conducted investigations related to implementations of CS unplugged activities. A systematic review procedure was developed and applied to detect and subsequently review relevant research studies published from 2010 to 2019. It was found that 55 research studies (17 articles + 38 conference proceedings) satisfied the inclusion criteria for the analysis. These research studies were then examined with regard to their demographic characteristics, research methodologies, research results, and main findings. It was found that the unplugged approach was realized and utilized differently among researchers. The majority of the studies used the CS unplugged term when referring to “paper–pencil activities,” “problem solving,” “storytelling,” “games,” “tangible programming,” and even “robotics.”

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