What is computational thinking?

Are you new to the new Digital Technologies Curriculum and unsure what the term ‘computational thinking’ means? If so, then this post and the free resources is for you.
The formal definition of CT according to Jeannette Wing is that it is “the thought process involved in formulating problems and their solutions so that the solutions are represented in a form that can be effectively carried out by an information-processing agent” (Wing, 2017, p. 8). This is where Progress Outcomes 2 onwards are placed.
- CT skills in young people enable them to think in different ways, solve real-world problems and look at everyday issues from a wider perspective.
- CT is needed to fill job vacancies in ICT, boost economies and prepare people fo future employment.
With computational thinking ingrained in the education system from year one onwards, we can begin to see what is possible with computing in order to make informed decisions as [effective] digital world citizens (Ministry of Education, 2017).
Linking Computational Thinking into other learning areas
Learning with CT is rich in opportunities to collaborate, persist, problem solve, and be creative in a multidisciplinary way.
What are the concerns?
References
New Zealand Ministry of Education. (2017). Digital Technology curriculum – Hangarau Matihiko.
Wing, J. M. (2008). Computational thinking and thinking about computing. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 366(1881), 3717-3725.
Wing, J. M. (2017). Computational thinking’s influence on research and education for all. Italian Journal of Educational Technology, 25(2), 7-14.
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