COMPUTATIONAL

THINKING
SOLVING PROBLEMS COMPUTATIONALLY
IN THIS MODULE
We will know more about the following:
– What is this course about?
– What are you required to submit by the end of the term?
– How will you be graded?
– What can you expect from this course?
– What you should and shouldn’t do?
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?
WHAT IS EMPTEC2?
This course introduces students to Computational Thinking as
an approach to problem-solving to create solutions that can
be implemented using digital technologies. Computational
Thinking involves integrating strategies, such as organizing
data logically, breaking down problems into parts, interpreting
patterns and models, and designing and implementing
algorithms.
WHAT IS EMPTEC2?
This course also introduces students to basic programming or
coding as a means to develop computational thinking. By
being able to code, students can gain a better understanding
of how technologies work, imagine new devices and services,
and bring their ideas to life. Being introduced to coding gives
students an appreciation of what can be built with
technology.
 As computers become pervasive in
our everyday lives, so is the need for
every student to possess the
necessary skills needed in the 21st
century digital world. Various
organizations have recognized
computational thinking and coding
as necessary skillsets that every
student needs to develop to be
successful in their future careers.

World curricula are being revised to

include computing and to teach
coding in K-12, with examples in the
United States, United Kingdom,
Finland and Australia.

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Various tools and
technologies can be used to
introduce Computational
Thinking and enable students
to experience coding. For this
course, Python will be the
high level programming
language that will be used to
instruct a computer device to
perform certain functions
needed to carry out some
intended tasks.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Apply Computational Thinking process in developing solutions to given
problems through the use of the four Computational Thinking Skills
(Decomposition, Representation, Pattern Recognition and
Generalization)
2. Formulate step-by-step algorithmic strategies using computing
instructions to solve a problem.
– Select appropriate programming logic constructs and assemble a
sequence of instructions
– Implement, test and debug the sequence of instructions to produce the
desired results.
 Analyze problems and
break into small parts
or steps COMPUTATIONAL
Logically organize and
THINKING IN A NUTSHELL
analyze data Computational Thinking describes
Problem
Decomposition
how a Logical Thinker would think.
Computer Scientists,
Data and
Algorithm Mathematicians, Musicians and
Representation
Artists, whether they know it or
Pattern not, makes use of CT.
Recognition
The four Computational Thinking
Identify similarities and
Generalization Skills are the processes a
and Abstraction
differences Computational Thinker uses when
tackling a problem.
Distinguish essential
information and apply
solutions to other
problems
 BUT WAIT!
FEAR NOT!
You might be thinking…
We are not turning you into I don’t want to be a Computer
programmers or Scientist!
mathematicians, though you will I hate MATH! Eeeew!
learn to program and appreciate
I hate PROGRAMMING! Even
math in this subject! more EEEEWWW!
We’re turning you into cool Lasallians who can harness the power of
technology to tackle the problems of modern society!

BUT WAIT!
You might be thinking…

I don’t want to be a Computer

Scientist!

I hate MATH! Eeeew!

I hate PROGRAMMING! Even

more EEEEWWW!

By the end of the term, if you listen carefully and participate well,
you will know how to utilize your computers to its fullest potential,
rather than just being an application running machine!
COURSE OUTPUTS
WHAT ARE YOU REQUIRED TO SUBMIT?
COURSE OUTPUTS
By the end of the course, you are required to turn in three major summative
course outputs:
1. A Mid-term Examination to be administered in the 7th week
2. A Computational Thinking Video that will be accomplished in big groups (groups of
around 10 students)
3. A Coding Project that will be accomplished in pairs (if the class is odd numbered, one
student would have to go solo)
In addition, by the end of the course, you will be taking a Comprehensive
Final Exam.
MID-TERM
EXAMINATIONS
The mid-term exam will be
administered on the 7th week of
the term. It will cover all the
topics that has been discussed
until the 6th week, in particular,
Python Programming.
The mid-term exam will be
administered via Canvas during
one class meeting. Ensure that
you do not schedule anything on
mid-term exam day!
 COMPUTATIONAL
THINKING VIDEO
On the 2nd week of the term, your
class will be divided into four
groups of around 10. This will be
your Video Project Group.
You will be working with your
groupmates to create a video
showcasing your creativity and
understanding of the four
computational thinking skills in
addressing a set of pre-assigned
scenarios.

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CODING PROJECT
After the mid-term exam, you
will be given a set of
specifications for a Coding
Project. This will be done in pairs.
Note that if the class is
odd-numbered, one student
would have to go solo.

This project will enable you to

showcase your technical skills in
programming.
GRADING SYSTEM
HOW WILL YOU BE GRADED?
GRADE BREAKDOWN
To pass this course, one must accumulate at least 75 points through the
course requirements discussed.
Assessment Task Maximum Points
Written Tasks (~10 written tasks, 3% each) 30
Performance Tasks 40
Mid-term Exam 10
Computational Thinking Video 15
Coding Project 10
Attendance 5
Trimestral Exam 30
HOUSE RULES
WHAT YOU SHOULD AND SHOULDN’T DO?
HOUSE RULES (COMMON)
1. Please do not be late nor absent.
2. Everyone is expected to share ideas in discussions. Those who are too
quiet will be asked to talk more.
3. No one is allowed to judge other people, especially during discussions.
Only constructive comments are allowed.
4. Please control your noise levels. Moderate noise is permitted especially
during activities but rowdy or disruptive behavior is not acceptable.
5. If you have any concerns regarding the activities in class, inform your
teacher immediately at the end of the meeting.
HOUSE RULES (LABORATORY)
1. Please arrive on time. Talk to your teacher if this would be difficult for
your class (for example, if you have a class prior to EMPTEC2 and the lab is far
from your classroom).
2. Be responsible for the sites that you visit. Your internet access will not be
restricted except during the mid-term exam.
3. Kindly occupy the terminals close to the front of the lab.
HOUSE RULES (WRITTEN TASKS)
1. All written tasks will be submitted through Canvas unless otherwise
specified.
2. Summative assessments are required, formative assessments are
optional.
3. Please submit before the deadline. Factor in internet connection and
possible connection problems when submitting your assignments.
4. You are expected to work only on your own or your group’s assignments
and projects. Copying or lifting from any source is considered cheating.
This applies to codes as well.
LEARNING PLAN
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE COURSE?
LEARNING PLAN(Not exact)
Week
Topic
Number
1 Introduction to the Subject
2 Introduction to Computational Thinking and to Python
Covering Python Syntax
3 Inputs and Outputs
4 Data Manipulation
5 Decision Making
6 Repetition
7 Mid-term Exam
Integrating Computational Thinking
8-13 Problem Solving using Computational Thinking
14 Final Exam
AMA TIME!
I WANT TO GET TO KNOW YOU, AND I’M SURE YOU HAVE
QUESTIONS FOR ME AS WELL…
SELF-INTRODUCTION AND AMA
Each student will introduce themselves in turn. You are to tell me the
following:
1. Your name
2. Who is any character from a movie, TV show, book, cartoon series or
anime that is the most opposite to you and why?
3. Any question you want to ask me (you can ask me anything under the
sun, but everyone must have a question)
SEE YOU NEXT
MEETING!