COMPUTATIONAL THINKING (CT)

"Simply put, computational thinking is a set of skills that help to set up a problem in such a way that a computer can help you solve it," write Jane Krauss and Kikki Prottsman in their book Computational Thinking and Coding for Every Student.

Kraus and Prottsman describe four main components of CT: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms.

Effective computational thinking lessons can be designed that do not require access to electronic tools. Computational thinking skills can be used across disciplines to approach large scale problems.

COMPUTER SCIENCE (CS)

The K–12 Computer Science Framework Consortium borrows Allen Tucker's 2006 definition when it says computer science is "the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their [implementation], and their impact on society".

When envisioning computer science instruction in school, many will imagine teaching the use of computer programs and applications. Although the proper use of computer applications are extremely valuable skills, it cannot accurately be described as computer science instruction.