What is Computational Thinking
Computational thinking is using problem solving strategies that involve
breaking down complex problems into more familiar ones (problem decomposition), using a sequence of steps to solve the problem (algorithms), reducing the complexities of a problem and focusing on the essential details to solve it (abstraction), and using digital tools and technology to automate the solutions (automation).
CT4EDU Toolkit
As a part of our CT4EDU work, we have developed a number of tools that teachers can use to engage their students in computational thinking ideas. Below are some of the
- Computational Thinking Toolkit : This toolkit was developed to highlight the four CT ideas (abstraction, decomposition, patterns, and debugging) we focused in our work with elementary teachers. We also included how teachers could engage their students in CT ideas and questions for promoting CT in their instruction
- CT Classroom Posters: A set of classroom posters for teachers to use to highlight CT practices as a part of their instruction.
- Computational Thinking Lesson Screener : Our work with teachers involved co-designing lessons where teachers worked to make computational thinking ideas explicit in their instruction. As a part of the co-design process, we used this lesson screener to scaffold where CT ideas were already embedded in the lesson and where CT ideas could be made explicit.
- Computational Thinking Lesson Planning : We used this lesson planning tool during co-design sessions with teachers to develop new activities that would bring CT concepts in their lessons while focusing on teaching key mathematical and scientific ideas.
We would love to get your feedback on the CT4EDU toolkit. Please complete this short survey about this tool.
Sample CT Integrated Math Lessons
- Grade 3 – Array Exploration with Scratch
- Grade 3 – Geometry Exploration with Geogebra
- Grade 4 – Area Perimeter Exploration with Scratch
- Grade 4 – Equivalent Fraction Exploration with a virtual manipulative