Computational thinking

According to the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) (2015), "Computational Thinking is a problem-solving method that involves various techniques and strategies that can be implemented by digital systems. Techniques ans strategies may include organsing data logically, breaking down problems into parts, defining abstract concepts and designing and using algorithms, patterns and models". 

Figure 1: Barr & Stephenson, CORE COMPUTATIONAL THINKING CONCEPTS AND CAPABILITIES, 2011

I found this table very interesting and something I thought I should add to my online journal about learning about Digital Technology.

Video: CODE STUDIO, Computational Thinking, 2014

I enjoyed watching the video at the learn code website and found this video very helpful for explaining each category of computational thinking for Teachers to utilise. The activity that is used in this video is a fantastic way to also educate students about computational thinking and to get them thinking computationally. It could be used in conjunction with a variety of other lessons or topics, even for a rainy day activity or end of school year fun games. However to use it in the Digital Technologies classroom, I would introduce computational thinking and the four categories; decomposition, patterns, abstraction and algorithm, before asking them to participate in the game from this video. I would then ask what they have learnt and how they can relate it back to the previous discussion. From this I would ask (of older students) the students to design an activity using either the methods they have just used (unplugged) or a computer using Microsoft word (presuming here this has already been taught) and the 'choose an item' method to support computational thinking in their peers.

References
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2015). Glossary: Computational Thinking. Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/technologies/glossary#C
Barr, V., Stephenson, C. (2011). Bringing Computational Thinking to K-12: What is Involved and What is the Role of the Computer Science Education Community?. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/docs/nets-refresh-toolkit/bringing-ct-to-k-12.pdf?sfvrsn=2
CODE STUDIO. (2014). Computational Thinking. Retrieved from http://studio.code.org/s/20-hour/stage/3/puzzle/1