ICSCT - Introduction to Computer Science and Computational Thinking Overview
Introduction to Computer Science and Computational Thinking
What is computational thinking? Computational thinking is a critical 21st-century skill that is a collection of various ways to analyze and solve problems. The problems are formulated so they can be solved using a computer or other computational tool. It includes some important skills like creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.
It also consists of some very specific problem solving skills such as the ability to think logically and algorithmically. Algorithmically means a method of thinking about something in order. An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure used to represent the solution to the problem. When creating algorithms computational thinking is used to decide which details to include and which details to leave out. This process is called abstraction. In this module, you will use computational skills and abstraction to analyze and create algorithms in different ways to solve problems.
Essential Questions
- How is computational thinking used in Computer Science?
- What are the basic building blocks of algorithms?
- What are the different ways to create algorithms to solve a problem?
- How do you analyze algorithms empirically and analytically?
- How is abstraction used in computational thinking?
- How are abstractions used in creating algorithms?
Key Terms
Computational Thinking – the thought processes involved in formulating problems and their solutions. It involves algorithmic thinking and logical thinking.
Algorithm – a list of steps that allow you to complete a task.
Flowchart - a graphical representation of a computer program in relation to its sequence of functions.
Pseudocode - a text based informal language that helps programmers develop algorithms.
Abstraction - the act of representing essential features or details without including the background details or explanations.
Empirically - originating in or based on observation or experience.
Analytically - a logical method of thinking about something in order to understand it, especially by looking at all the parts separately.
Algorithmically - a step by step problem solving procedure.
[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION