LCT - Computational Thinking Lesson

Computational Thinking

We may think that computers “think” and that they outsmart humans “just like that”. However that’s not the case, computers do exactly what we humans tell them to do, or better said, what we program them to do. Computers can be essential to solving problems. Before you can begin to tackle the problem you must develop an understanding of the problem, then come up with possible solutions.

Computational thinking allows us to do this. In this lesson, you will be able to identify the four characteristics of computational thinking.

What exactly is computational thinking you say?

Computational thinking is the process, which is involved in formulating a problem as well as expressing solutions that both humans and computers can comprehend and execute. Computational thinking enables the user to work out exactly what to tell a computer system. Although problem solving is an important part of computational thinking, there are still characteristics that are essential.

Take a look at this infographic from ISTE, it explains the Computational Thinking Process for Problem Solving. Download Take a look at this infographic from ISTE, it explains the Computational Thinking Process for Problem Solving.

Take a look at the Computational Thinking learning object below to better understand the characteristics of computational thinking.

Now that you were able to discover the characteristics of computational thinking, take a look at the Computational Thinking video to see computational thinking in action.

Computational thinking allows us to take a complex problem, understand what the problem is and develop possible solutions. We can then present these solutions in a way that a computer, a human, or both, can understand.

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