Bringing Computational Thinking to K-12

Do you belive that learning should tap into computational thinking for students today?
Why/Why not?

Hello Class, 

Today, learning is far from getting out a text book and a teacher lecturing all day.  The learning has taken on new levels and I believe tapping into computational thinking is a process on the rise.  Research shows California’s educational system has significantly lower scores academically than that of other states.  I believe computational learning will help develop critical thinking and problem solving to tap into the creative minds of students.

 The article, Bringing computational thinking to K-12: What is Involved and What is the role of the computer Science Education Community? By Valerie and Chris Stephenson, illustrates factors necessary for exposure to K-12 computational thinking.  These factors are developing significant resources, systemic change, and teacher engagement.  Students need to be introduced to computing early and be able to work algorithmic problem solving and computational methods.  An important role is for the computer science education community is to mesh the the application methods and tools together.  Also, with this, educational policies and procedures need to be changed.

Another factor of importance is the definitions and descriptive language that computer science involves.  Computer science involves mechanics, design principles, and practices.  Barr and Chris Stephenson state, “the study of computers and algorithmic processes including their principles, their hardware and software design, their applications and their impact on society”.

I think a profound statement indicates that students not only become tool users but tool builders as well.  Student will use concepts and learn the process of information and analyze data to create solutions through critical thinking and problem solving.  This is the way the educational system  is heading and I think it’s a good source to help with critical thinking.  We are all solving issues and problems everyday, what better way than to increase strategies to solve these problems through computational thinking. 

The new way of learning will be evident in computational thinking in the classroom, not only as an individual, but as a group.  This brings active problem solving where engaging in solving problems with the tools supplied and trial and error.  Computational learning is on the rise and will be in the classroom sooner than later.

Thanks,
Conni~


Reference:

Barr, Valerie, & Stephenson, Chris (2011). Computational thinking to K-12: What is involved and what is the role of the computer science education community. ACM Inroads, Vol. 2(1), 48-54.