The goal of computational thinking is really about getting students to use computer type thinking to solve real world problems. So often we are the users of algorithms, but rarely are we creating them. Facilitating this skill for our students will allow them to innovate, understand, and find purpose. Most of all they will be equipped to fast a world which is constantly changing. It is from the book The Power of Computational Thinking by Paul Curzon and Peter W. McOwan we find the following quote:
“The beauty of Algorithms is that steps can be followed without those involved having any idea of what they are doing and why”
Paul Curzon and Peter W. McOwan
I can personally relate with this quote. I found myself many times in school following algorithms of which I had no idea for their meaning. I did pass the ACT because I had answers for which I had no understanding of. We as educators must go that next step, providing students a way to problem solve and come up with algorithms that provide the solutions.
For this reason I provide to you some resources I hope you will find valuable. Keep in mind that Computational Thinking can use devices, robots, and computers to support learning. It also is valuable to do some “unplugged” activities that allow students to dive deep into their own thinking leaving the digital object to the side. I have tried to provide resources that support both. Last, the ability to understand the workings of a computer is only half of the algorithm. Keep in mind that human element. How do we find a way to use the power and speed of the computer along with the comprehension and meta-cognitive ability of the human mind. Enjoy the quote and resources that follow.
“The computer is incredibly fast, accurate, and stupid. Man is incredibly slow, inaccurate, and brilliant. The marriage of the two is a force beyond calculations”
Leo Cherne
Main Site Computational Thinking Resources:
- Ignite My Future
- Beanz: The Magazine For Kids, Codes, and Computer Science
- Google CT Resources
- CODE CT
- Excel Charter School
- MIT Scratch
- ISTE CT
- Teaching London Computing
- Computer Science For Fun
- Brebas Cards
- Hello Ruby
- Break Out EDU
- Tom’s Digital Breakouts
- Lock Paper Scissors
- Code.ORG
- CSTA Computational Thinking
Puzzles for Computational Thinking
- Teachers London Cut Block Logic Puzzles
- Hidato
- Akinator
- Free Thinking Games
- Games For The Brain
- Thinking Myself
- ABCYa Tangrams
- PBS Kids
- Math Toybox
- CIA Break The Code
- Jigsaw Puzzles
- Kids’ Page Jig Saw
- Discovery Free Puzzle Maker
- Best Thinking Games
- Digital Breakout Sandbox
- Breakout EDU Digital
Articles, Information, Ideas
- Computational Thinking Kindergartners (Edutopia)
- Flexibility Computational Thinking (Edutopia)
- Getting Smart (Edutopia)
- Computational Thinking Across The Curriculum (Edutopia)
- Computational Thinking For Kids (EIMACS)
- Explore CT (ISTE)
- Introduction to Computational Thinking (Brooklyn Friends)
- Teaching Students Computer Code (NY Times)
- Computational Thinking (Swiss Informatics)
- CT Educational Guide (BBC)
- CT K8 Inroads (Project Guts)
- Computational Thinking (Broken Airplane)
- Computational Thinking For Teachers and Parents (Circlcenter)
- Cut Hive Puzzles (Teaching London Computing)
- What’s the Difference Between Coding and CT (Edsurge)
- Breakout EDU 10 Things To Know (Flipped Learning)
- Programs (Puzzle School)
- Integrating CT in the Elementary Classroom (Getting Smart)
- The Fifth C of the 21st Century Skills… CT not Coding (Edsurge)
- Learning To Think Like A computer (NY Times)
Booking Info – It is time to think about your school or conference needs. Are you looking for a practical and affordable professional development workshop for your school or conference? I have traveled the country delivering PD relating to technology integration, PBL, STEM, Digital Literacy, and the 4 C’s. I have delivered hundreds of workshops and presentations. Check out my Booking Page. Please contact me soon if you have an interest. My 2019 calendar is filling fast. In fact, it might be time to begin thinking about the summer and start of school of 2019! Look for contact information at the Booking Site.
cross-posted at 21centuryedtech.wordpress.com
Michael Gorman oversees one-to-one laptop programs and digital professional development for Southwest Allen County Schools near Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is a consultant for Discovery Education, ISTE, My Big Campus, and November Learning and is on the National Faculty for The Buck Institute for Education. His awards include district Teacher of the Year, Indiana STEM Educator of the Year and Microsoft’s 365 Global Education Hero. Read more at21centuryedtech.wordpress.com.
