What is Computational Thinking?

Computational thinking is a problem-solving process that involves various techniques and thought processes borrowed from computer science.

learning.com

It uses skills such as: (learning.com)

• Patterns
• Decomposition
• Recognition
• Abstraction and Algorithmic Thinking

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How Does it Fit into the BC Curriculum?

Computational thinking applies to the BC curriculum through Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (grade 6). Under content it talks about how computational thinking links to simple algorithms that reflect computational thinking, visual representations of problems and data, evolution of programming languages, and visual programming. As well as Mathematics including computational thinking around the older grades, 6 -12.

I think it’s pretty prominent in the curriculum as it is the first point under content, especially for ADST.

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How Does it Fit Into the 21st Century?

I think computational thinking fits into the 21st Century because our world is increasingly changing with technology and what we use it for, how we use it, and what it’s replacing. Take AI for instance, ChatGPT is rapidly growing with its users and knowledge and can even create AI generated photos. Now computational thinking comes into play when trying to decide whether the information is factual. That’s why following decomposition is important, know a bit of information beforehand on the subject, do your research, and then decipher whether or not it’s true. As well, being able to navigate different types of technology is a skills within itself and can require critical thinking with learning how to troubleshoot, and can help with future careers. To add, understanding the harm that technology can have on the population and the ethical harm on the environment.

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I think computational thinking is very important for improving critical thinking and inquiry based learning, as it allows students to step outside their comfort zones and actively engage their brains. Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re using this thinking, such as games like Minecraft that support critical and creative thinking in a variety of ways.

In middle school, I was fortunate enough to take a maker class that prioritized hands on projects that allow for problem solving. We used a variety of tech to create our projects, such as cricket machines to make decals, t-shirt designs, 3D printing, and creating a video game using coding. It was a really great experience and I found I learned a lot, although the teacher was marking us on our creativity rather than understanding how to use the technology properly to finish your project, so I actually didn’t come out with the best grade. Back then, I disagreed with that because sometimes it is hard to be super creative when you are learning how to do something and should be marked on how you accomplish a task. Although, now being in the teaching program I somewhat agree with my teachers thinking. Creativity, problem-solving, and computational thinking can be marked in multiple ways and can be shown through projects, written assignments, orally, artifacts, and art.

Computational thinking can be used in every subject for teaching since it requires decomposition, recognition, algorithms, and abstraction.