EdTechRVA 2020
Integrating Computational Thinking into an Elementary Classroom: Lessons Learned
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 @ VCU University Learning Center
VDOE Computer Science Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework
VDOE Computer Science Resources
VDOE Computer Science Standards of Learning (Draft document with related SOLs as of Summer 2017)
VDOE Computer Science Cross-Curricular Integration Allignment (Word Document)
Computational Thinking is an approach to solving complex problems logically, through abstraction, generalization, decomposition, algorithms, or debugging. These concepts can be used to formulate problems in a way that can be solved by a computer.
Elements of Computational Thinking
| Element | Definition | Example | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstraction | The skill to decide what information about an entity/object to keep and what to ignore (Wing, 2011). | Identifying the characteristics of five different rectangles that make them all rectangles but ignoring the ways that the rectangles are different. | |
| Generalization | The skill to formulate a solution in generic terms so that it can be applied to different problems (Selby, 2014). | Recognizing patterns of “Red-Blue-Red-Red” and “Circle- Square-Circle-Circle” both as ABAA patterns. | |
| Decomposition | The skill to break a complex problem into smaller parts that are easier to understand and solve (National Research Council, 2010; Wing, 2011). | Using FOIL (first, outer, inner, last) to solve the following algebraic expression: (3+4)(8-2). | |
| Algorithms | The skill to devise a step-by-step set of operations/actions of how to go about solving a problem (Selby, 2014). | Writing instructions for an alien to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich correctly. | |
| Debugging | The skill to identify, remove, and fill errors (Selby, 2014). | Programming an Arduino to display “Happy Birthday” on an LCD screen. | |
| Note. Adapted from “A K-6 Computational Thinking Curriculum Framework: Implications for Teacher Knowledge,” by C. Angeli, J. Voogt, A. Fluck, M. Webb, M. Cox, J. Malyn-Smith, and J. Zagami, 2016, Educational Technology & Society, 19 (3), pg. 50. Copyright 2016 by Journal of Educational Technology & Society. | |||
Resources
Summary of resources available to learn about and teach Computational Thinking in elementary schools
| Resources | Materials Focus | CT Specific | CT Elements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code.org | Teacher knowledge curriculum, independent activities for learners | No, general CS | G, Al, Db |
| Exploring Computational Thinking | Teacher knowledge, curriculum | Yes | Ab, G, Dc, Al |
| Computational Thinking for Educators | Teacher knowledge, curriculum | Yes | Ab, G, Dc, Al |
| Computational Thinking Teacher Resources (ISTE & CSTA, 2011) | Teacher knowledge, curriculum, lesson plans | Yes | Ab, G, Dc, Al |
| Computational thinking: A guide for teachers (Csizmadia et al., 2015) | Teacher knowledge | Yes | None |
| K-12 Computer Science Framework (K12cs.org, 2016) | Advocacy, teacher knowledge | Some | None |
| Creative Computing (Brennan et al., 2011) | Teacher knowledge, lesson plans | Some, general CS | Al, Db |
| CS Unplugged: An enrichment and extension programme for primary-aged children (Bell et al., 2015) | Student activities | No, general CS | Dc, Al, Db |
| Note. Ab = abstraction; G = generalization; Dc = decomposition; Al = algorithms; Db = debugging | |||