Unit - 1

Computational thinking refers to the thought processes involved in formulating problems so their solutions
can be represented as computational steps and algorithms. In education, CT is a set of problem-solving
methods that involve expressing problems and their solutions in ways that a computer could also execute.

Computational thinking is an interrelated set of skills and practices for solving complex problems, a way
to learn topics in many disciplines, and a necessity for fully participating in a computational world.

Many different terms are used when talking about computing, computer science, computational thinking,
and programming. Computing encompasses the skills and practices in both computer science and
computational thinking.

While computer science is an individual academic discipline, computational thinking is a problem-

solving approach that integrates across activities, and programming is the practice of developing a set of
instructions that a computer can understand and execute, as well as debugging, organizing, and applying
that code to appropriate problem-solving contexts.
Figure 1. The relationship between computer science (CS), computational thinking (CT), programming and computing.
 Framework for Computational Thinking

• Computational thinking skills, in the outermost circle, are the cognitive processes necessary to
engage with computational tools to solve problems. These skills are the foundation to engage in any
computational problem solving and should be integrated into early learning opportunities in K -3.
• Computational thinking practices, in the middle circle, combine multiple computational skills to
solve an applied problem. Students in the older grades (4-12) may use these practices to develop artifacts
such as a computer program, data visualization, or computational model.
• Inclusive pedagogies, in the innermost circle, are strategies for engaging all learners in computing,
connecting applications to students’ interests and experiences, and providing opportunities to
acknowledge, and combat biases and stereotypes within the computing field.
 Figure 2. A framework for computational thinking integration.

Examples of Computational Thinking

• Solving Puzzles or Playing Games. ...

• Building with Legos or Blocks. ...
• Math Problems. ...
• Science Experiments. ...
• Creative and Academic Writing. ...
• Art and Design. ...
• Solving Everyday Problems.
1. Solving Puzzles or Playing Games
Whether they recognize it or not, most students utilize computational thinking when they are solving puzzles
or playing games. For instance, children learn early how to put jigsaw puzzles together by analyzing the
shapes and patterns on pieces. Eventually, children also develop a step-by-step process for solving puzzles
faster and more effectively; for instance, finding corner pieces, filling in edge pieces then matching up the
colors and patterns of different areas of the puzzle.
2. Building with Legos or Blocks
Many children enjoy constructing with Lego bricks, magnetic tiles or other building toys. These, too, are
everyday life examples of computational thinking students may already be using without knowing it.
Constructing something using these toy building materials takes planning, designing and problem solving.
Students use computational thinking not only in the conceptualization and building phase, but also in
troubleshooting their designs.
3. Math Problems
Whether solving math problems on a worksheet or in a textbook or implementing math problem solving in
real life, students are already using computational thinking to solve math equations, often without
recognizing it. Solving math problems, especially word problems, requires children to use computational
thinking to identify the problem, break it down into steps then apply mathematical operations to find a
solution.
4. Science Experiments
Science experiments are another example of how students apply computational thinking in their everyday
life. We know that the scientific method requires a series of steps—formulating a hypothesis, designing an
experiment, collecting data and drawing conclusions. What students might not realize is that the scientific
process is an example of computational thinking in real life. In addition, they likely implement this process
without realizing it during everyday life, such as when problem solving, exploring a new idea, innovating or
troubleshooting.
5. Creative and Academic Writing
Students also use computational thinking in writing, whether creative writing for fun or academic writing for
class. Storytelling, for example, requires a child to organize ideas, structure narratives, and think critically
about cause-and-effect relationships. Academic writing includes similar organization and structuring as well
as critical thinking.
6. Art and Design
While computational thinking is typically considered a digital or technology-based skill, even creative and
artistic-minded students can find they use computational thinking in everyday life. For instance, in the
beginning stages of drawing or painting, a student will plan designs and layouts for their creations. They’ll
make decisions related to colors and shapes, as well as problem-solving as their design continues to progress.
All these steps are part of the computational thinking process.
7. Solving Everyday Problems
Whether they recognize it or not, most students are already using computational thinking to solve problems
they encounter in their everyday lives. Younger students may recognize computational thinking in how they
organize their toys or share with a friend or family member. Older students may recognize this process in
how they plan or execute a bike route, organize their schedule, complete homework, set goals or solve real-
life problems.

How it can be achieved

Decomposition
Decomposition is a fundamental concept in computational thinking that involves breaking down complex
problems into smaller, more manageable parts. It is a problem-solving approach that allows individuals to
tackle intricate tasks by dividing them into simpler subtasks.
By employing decomposition in computational thinking, individuals can better understand complex
problems and find efficient solutions. Breaking down a larger problem into smaller parts enables them to
focus on addressing each component individually, making it easier to manage and solve the overall problem.
This process also helps in identifying patterns and relationships among the smaller parts, leading to a deeper
understanding of the problem as a whole.
Decomposition plays a crucial role in problem-solving as it enhances critical thinking skills and
develops effective strategies. When faced with a complex problem, decomposition allows individuals to
prioritize and allocate their time effectively. By dividing the problem into smaller parts, they can allocate
time to address each subtask based on its importance and urgency.

Pattern Recognition
Pattern recognition is a fundamental aspect of computational thinking and plays a crucial role in problem-
solving. It involves the ability to identify similarities and differences in the details of a problem, allowing
individuals to simplify complex problems by focusing on the underlying patterns.
The ability to recognize patterns is vital because it helps individuals break down a problem into smaller,
more manageable parts. By identifying similarities across different components of a problem, individuals
can apply a single solution to multiple instances, saving time and effort. Similarly, recognizing differences
between components helps individuals understand the unique aspects of each part and tailor specific
solutions accordingly.
Abstraction
Abstraction is a fundamental concept in computational thinking that involves extracting the most relevant
information from decomposed problems and generalizing it to solve the problem as a whole. It allows
individuals to focus on the essential aspects of a problem and disregard irrelevant details that may distract
from finding a solution.
In the context of pattern recognition, abstraction plays a crucial role in identifying relevant details and
disregarding extraneous information. For example, in an escape room, participants are often presented with a
series of clues, some of which are red herrings meant to mislead.
By practicing pattern generalization and abstraction, players can distinguish between relevant and irrelevant
details, allowing them to solve the puzzle more efficiently.

Algorithmic Thinking
Algorithmic Thinking is a fundamental concept within Computational Thinking that involves defining a
step-by-step solution to a problem that can be replicated for a predictable outcome, whether by humans or
computers. It is the process of breaking down a complex task into smaller, manageable steps and organizing
them in a logical sequence.
In Algorithmic Thinking, emphasis is placed on the design and structure of algorithms. An algorithm is a set
of instructions that helps solve a specific problem or accomplish a particular task. These instructions are
typically presented in a clear and unambiguous manner, allowing individuals or computers to follow them
precisely.