Computational thinking
Computational Thinking (CT) is a problem solving method that uses computer science techniques. The term computational thinking was first used by Seymour Papert in 1996.[1] Computational thinking can be used to algorithmically solve complicated problems of scale, and is often used to realize large improvements in efficiency.[2]
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Overview[edit]
The phrase computational thinking was brought to the forefront of the computer science community as a result of an ACM Communications article on the subject by Jeannette M. Wing. The article suggested that thinking computationally was a fundamental skill for everyone, not just computer scientists, and argued for the importance of integrating computational ideas into other disciplines.[3]
Center of Computational Thinking[edit]
Computational thinking today is spearheaded by the Center of Computational Thinking at Carnegie Mellon. The Center's major activity is conducting PROBEs or PROBlem-oriented Explorations. These PROBEs are experiments that apply novel computing concepts to problems to show the value of computational thinking. A PROBE experiment is generally a collaboration between a computer scientist and an expert in the field to be studied. The experiment typically runs for a year. In general, a PROBE will seek to find a solution for a broadly applicable problem and avoid narrowly focused issues. Some examples of PROBE experiments are optimal kidney transplant logistics and how to create drugs that do not breed drug resistant viruses. [4]
Characteristics of Computational Thinking[edit]
Computational Thinking is a problem-solving process that includes the following characteristics:[5]
- Analyzing and logically organizing data
- Data modeling, data abstractions, and simulations
- Formulating problems such that computers may assist
- Identifying, testing, and implementing possible solutions
- Automating solutions via algorithmic thinking
- Generalizing and applying this process to other problems
References[edit]
- ^ http://www.papert.org/articles/AnExplorationintheSpaceofMathematicsEducations.html
- ^ Computational thinking
- ^ ACM
- ^ PROBE Experiments
- ^ Stephenson, Chris; Valerie Barr (May 2011). "Defining Computational Thinking for K-12". CSTA Voice 7 (2): 3–4. ISSN 1555-2128. "CT is a problem solving process..."
External links[edit]
- Computational Thinking article in the Scalable Game Design wiki
- Repenning, A., Webb, D., Ioannidou, A., Scalable Game Design and the Development of a Checklist for Getting Computational Thinking into Public Schools, The 41st ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, SIGCSE 2010, (Milwaukee, WI), ACM Press.
- The Sacramento Regional CPATH Team has created a Think CT website with information on CT developed by this NSF-funded project.
- NUI Maynooth has launched a 3-year BSc degree in Computational Thinking.
- Computer Science unplugged
