Computer Science Education Week and Computational Thinking
In today’s episode, we’ll review the four elements of computational thinking and how you can use these in your classroom during Computer Science Education Week.
Paul Beckermann
PreK–12 Digital Learning Specialist
Podcast Host
Elements of Computational Thinking
The four elements of computational thinking are:
- Decomposition
- Pattern Recognition
- Pattern Abstraction
- Algorithm Design
A Breakout Box Example
- Decomposition: What smaller puzzles must be solved?
- Pattern Recognition: What learned strategies can I reapply to this puzzle?
- Pattern Abstraction: What details are irrelevant to this puzzle?
- Algorithm Design: What are the steps I need to take to solve this puzzle?
Apply It in Class
- Solve a content-related problem.
- Solve a puzzle.
- Play a game where students try to find a systematic way to guess a preselected number.
- Visit Code.org.
For more information about computational thinking, explore the AVID Open Access article, Put the Pieces Together: Completing the Puzzle With Computational Thinking.