The article
"Computational Thinking: A Digital Age Skill for Everyone, by David Barr, John Harrison, and Leslie Conery, discusses both
the definition and the importance of computational thinking in the
classroom. The article describes computational thinking as a
problem-solving process that uses tools such as a computer to most efficiently
and effectively solve a problem. After reading this article, I can
definitely see why computational thinking is an important part of
education.
We have so many technology tools around us that to me, it would be a crime to
not take advantage of the assistance they provide-especially with problem
solving. We are at the point where most of us can not get through a day
without the use of a computer or similar device. They have become an
integral part of our lives. By using computational thinking skills in the
classroom, we are giving kids the opportunity to use these problem-solving
tools for life. It is inevitable that technology will continue to grow,
so why would we not embed it into the classroom learning?
In life outside the classroom students will need to learn how to solve problems
in a more efficient way than to just follow a step-by-step, linear math
problem. In the future, students will need to look at problems in a way
that they can solve them without a linear equation. They must be able to
use other tools to create a new way of looking at a problem to solve it
efficiently. We need students in
K-12 to be exposed to computational thinking in the classroom. It
is going to be an important tool in life and it only makes sense to take
advantage of the tools we have to further our problem solving skills. I think that schools are going to need to make a major effort to integrate computational thinking into all the subject matter in the classroom. We need to keep up with technology if we want to give the opportunity for a bright future to our children.
Thanks for reading!
Kimberly Taron
Kimberly Taron
Resource:
Barrl, D., Harrision, J. and Conery, L. (2011,
March/April). Computaional Thinking: a Digital Age Skill for Everyone, 38 (1)
Hi Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteThis seemed like a facinating and informative article. I agree with you that computational thinking should be integrated in academic learning throughout grade levels K-12. We would do our students a disservice if we did not include problem solving skills that computational thinking would provide. The article is very sismilar to the one I read that stressed highly on the creativity and problem solving that computers create. This type of learning is effective for individual learning and computing, as well as effective in group setting.
Technology has and continues to approach fast and will be included throughout our school systems sooner than later.
Conni~