Computational Thinking for all

Computer Science is invaluable for ALL students

Computer science and the underlying technologies in products and services it enables are at the core of modern-day digital economies. It is driving economic growth in California and across the US and has had a huge influence on our day-to-day lives [1]. To be well prepared for careers in a computing-intensive 21^st century world, our students need to be well-educated citizens and also have a clear understanding of the principles and practices of computer science. Moreover, imparting computing knowledge and skills for all children are critical to ensuring individuals understand the ethical, social, political, and economic implications of advances in technology [2]. Why so?

Computational thinking is the thought process involved in framing and formulating a problem and expressing its solutions in a way that a computer (be it human or machine) can carry out effectively [3]. No matter where we work, what we do, how old we are, or what economic background we come from, all of us can gain tremendously from learning to think computationally [1].

For example, with a simple and inexpensive device (tiny computer) such as the BBC micro:bit, children can learn how to think computationally by first being able to formulate a problem and then conceptualize a solution. They can express their solution using a free, intuitive, and easy to learn block-based programming code editor, such as Scratch (from MIT) or Snap! (from UC Berkeley). They can compile and run their program on the BBC micro:bit, which would allow them to see their code come alive in the physical world! Learning to think computationally can be fun.

Teaching children the fundamentals of computing during their formative years would empower them with computational thinking and programming skills they will need to survive in the 21st century workforce. It will expose children to computational thinking skills, such as abstraction, decomposition, pattern matching, algorithm design, and data representation [3]. Computer science is intellectually important, leads to multiple career paths, teaches problem solving, and supports/links to other sciences. Computer science is invaluable to all students K-12.

Students knowledgeable with these skills are going to be in high demand across all walks of life: in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, aerospace, autonomous transportation, government, sports, music, entertainment, and academia; not just in high-tech.

Most importantly, we want to introduce children to the joy of computing. Our computer science curriculum in 1-6 grades are designed to tap into a child’s imagination and creativity. Please see the core concepts and practices of the K-12 computer science framework below.

References:

[1] Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) K-12 computer science standards

[2] COMPUTER SCIENCE IN CALIFORNIA’S SCHOOLS: An Analysis of Access, Enrollment, and Equity

[3] BBC micro:bit quick starters guide for teachers.

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