CT - Nature of Computational Thinking {LESSON}

Nature of 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.

In computer science, computational thinking is a common practice used to model this.

Computational thinking refers to the thought processes involved in expressing solutions as computational steps or algorithms that can be carried out by a computer. It enables the user to work out exactly what to tell a computer system.

Take a look at the infographic from ISTE and Computational Thinking learning tool, they both provide a glimpse into computational thinking.

• ISTE Computational Thinking Infographic
• Transcript for ISTE Computational Thinking Infographic Links to an external site.

Computational Thinking

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

Computational Thinking in Action

Today, practically everyone is a computer user, and many people even program. The core of computer science is problem solving. Computer Science uses computational thinking to formulate problems in a way to use computers to help solve them.  It involves such skills as critical thinking, algorithmic thinking, and logical thinking. Everyone can benefit from learning how to become a better problem solver. Computational thinking involves strategies for solving problems. Each characteristic has a role in solving problems.

To take a deeper look into computational thinking, take a look at the videos below.

Digital Literacy Computational Thinking Video

Let’s take a look at the Digital Literacy Computational Thinking video.

As you view the video think about:

• What is computational thinking?
• What does computational thinking involve?
• How do we use computational thinking to solve real-world problems?

Solving Problems at Google Using Computational Thinking.

Watch the video Solving Problems at Google Using Computational Thinking.

Google for Education’s video- Solving Problems at Google Using Computational Thinking https://youtu.be/SVVB5RQfYxk Links to an external site.

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