Unit 3: Computational Thinking in the Intermediate Level Classroom
Return to: ETAP 623 Fall 2017 Section 7619 |Project Portfolio| Mini-Course: Infusing Computational Thinking in Every Classroom
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Unit Objectives
- Understand the application of Computational Thinking in Computer Science.
- Develop Self-Efficacy in the use of Computational Thinking activities in the classroom.
Lets Begin With Some Terminology!
Computational Thinking: “The process of recognizing aspects of computation in the world that surrounds us, and applying tools and techniques from Computer Science to understand and reason about both natural and artificial systems and processes” (The Royal Society, 2012, p.29).
Computer Science:
Merriam-Webster Definition: "a branch of science that deals with the theory of computation or the design of computers"
Techopedia Definition: "Computer science is the study of both computer hardware and software design. It encompasses both the study of theoretical algorithms and the practical problems involved in implementing them through computer hardware and software."
Visual Programing Language (VPL): In computing, a visual programming language (VPL) is any programming language that lets users create programs by manipulating program elements graphically rather than by specifying them textually.
Self-Efficacy: "Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments (Bandura, 1977, 1986, 1997). Self-efficacy reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one's own motivation, behavior, and social environment" (Carey, M. P., PhD, & Forsyth, A. D., n.d.)
Learning Activity
In this unit we will examine the ideas expressed in Mitch Resnick's TED Talk "Let's teach kids to code".
Mitchel Resnick is a professor in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Media Lab who has devoted his life work to creative learning experiences. In his TED talk "Let's teach kids to code" he examines the MIT developed software called Scratch and how it can be used to promote creative learning experiences.
In a moment you will watch the 16 minute long TED talk and learn more about the role of Computational Thinking in Computer Science and how the use of both can improve student learning experiences. At minute 12:38 Mitch states something very profound and significant which summarizes the benefit of computer science on the classroom. This statement relates to a story Mitch tells beginning at minute 10:48.
Pay close attention to the story and at minute 13:10, pause the video and open this link: "Building Meaning In The Classroom Through Computational Thinking"
In the Doc you will reflect on creating meaning in your teaching, how you currently accomplish this and ways you feel you could infuse computational thinking and/or computer science to create deeper meaning in your teaching.
Video Link: Click Here
Collaborative Google Document: Click Here
Examining Scratch
The video you just watched explores Scratch. Using the following link lets actually use scratch to examine programming with something very familiar; the video you just watched!
Open this link in a new tab. It will bring you to a program designed in Scratch that plays the TED talk you just watched. The program shows the time and provides functionality to skip the movie ahead by typing the letter "J". Interact with the program and explore how it works.
Next in the top right corner of the program you will see a blue button that says "See Inside". Selecting this button will allow you to examine the code that makes this program work. Examine the code while reflecting on the four cornerstones of Computational Thinking: Decomposition, Pattern Recognition, Abstraction, and Algorithm Design. See if you can think through the logic that was used to make this code.
Case Study
In this case study you will dive deeper into computational thinking through the use of a simple computer science software called Scratch (that should sound familiar!). In this activity you will use the Scratch website to complete a tutorial activity and immerse yourself in a computational thinking activity.
Although this may sound daunting I assure you that the tutorials are very easy to follow and will easily guide you to successful completeion of your first computer science based design.
In a moment you will selesct this Link to Scratch. This link will bring you directly to the Scratch editor. On the right side of your screen you will see a question mark (?). If you select this question mark it will open the Step-by-Step tutorial guide where you will be able to see a number of differently themed tutorials. Select a tutorial that appeals to you and follow the step by step guide to complete it.
Each tutorial requires you to manipulate media using Visual Program Language (VPL) or Block based coding in other terms. You will use the cornerstones of computational thinking to complete this activity.
Here is the link again: SCRATCH
Implications for the Classroom
Using computer science programs such as Scratch can be an excellent option for students to showcase their understanding and creativity all in one!
Imagine students:
- programming a figure to dance in a certain pattern based on an ancient tribal dance while learning about early cultures.
- designing a game around a concept in science.
- writing a poem through the use of visuals.
- displaying the rules of trigonometry in an interactive graphic.
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!
References
Carey, M. P., PhD, & Forsyth, A. D. (n.d.). Teaching Tip Sheet: Self-Efficacy. Retrieved December 13, 2017, from http://www.apa.org/pi/aids/resources/education/self-efficacy.aspx
The Royal Society (2012). Shut down or restart? The way forward for computing in UK schools. https://royalsociety.org/~/media/Royal_Society_Content/education/policy/computingin-schools/2012-01-12-Computing-in-Schools.pdf
Image Source:
Clipart - High Quality, Easy to Use, Free Support. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2017, from https://openclipart.org/
Mini-Course: Infusing Computational Thinking in Every Classroom
Unit 1: The Role of Computational Thinking in Education
Unit 2: Computational Thinking in the Elementary Classroom
Unit 3: Computational Thinking in the Intermediate Level Classroom