Enhanced Problem Solving with Computational Thinking

Problem Solving with Computational Thinking introduces educators to computational thinking as an approach to solving computational problems with computational solutions. Educators relate the concepts of computer science, computational thinking, and coding as they explore problem-solving using a simple robot emulator. Educators also unpack the practices of decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, and algorithms as tools to support students’ capacity to solve problems in any content area.

Computational Thinking Practices focuses on the four primary skills of decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, and algorithms. Educators continue to develop their own understanding of computational thinking through exploration of state standards and rubrics. Educators also consider the importance of teaching computational thinking and computer science at every grade as a part of a K-12 progression.

Designing Computational Thinking-Integrated Lessons introduces educators to three levels of integrating computational thinking into any subject area. Educators learn the what, how, and why of each level before adapting an upcoming lesson to include “Making Connections” - an approach focused on having students talk about the computational thinking practices they are already using.

Evaluating Student Understanding of Computational Thinking focuses on analyzing student work samples at the “Making Connections” level of integrating computational thinking. Educators go through a protocol of reflection, rubric-based analysis, and action planning as they consider how to increase students’ capacity with the computational thinking practices.

Designing Computational Thinking-Focused Lessons expands educators' toolkits for integrating computational thinking by introducing the online tool Scratch. Educators take a choose-your-own-adventure approach to experiencing and evaluating Scratch as a tool they could use with their students before designing a lesson at the “Practicing Skills” level.

Making Computational Thinking Consistent focuses on customizing the approaches to integrating computational thinking for educators’ specific classrooms. Educators engage in a student work analysis protocol before synthesizing their takeaways from the first five sessions to create a planning product for future computational thinking-integrated lessons.