Computational Skills and Computational Thinking

Reading Assignment (book): Chapter 9 in Grabe and Grabe.

Salomon, G., & Perkins, D. N. (1987

Additional reading assignments:

What are the possible benefits of learning to code and what classroom methods are important in achieving these benefits?

When should we begin exposing students to coding experiences?

What is computational thinking?

A project based approach to coding?

Ozobot

Give Blockly a try

Analysis task - Coding for all?

There is a current focus on coding at all levels. My concern is that most states have not done a good job of fitting computer science experiences within the overall curriculum. Most states do not count a computer science high school course as a graduation requirement (usually as a math or a science requirement). Without this commitment there is difficulty placing a priority on computer science courses which likely results in trickle down problems such as the qualifications of teachers covering courses, the frequency of course offerings, etc.

What level of commitment can be made to computer science? What happens in smaller schools? What should be eliminated if a commitment is made to computer science? Is computational thinking really a core competency? What is your position on how far schools should go to embrace computer science as an important offering?

Skill task: Use Blockly to draw a circle. Set the radius to 100 turtle steps. Create a screen capture of your product and send it to me.