An overview of what Computational Thinking is and its skills.

What is Computational Thinking?

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.

In order to integrate computational thinking into K-12 teaching and learning, educators must define what students need to know and be able to do to be successful computational thinkers. Our recommended framework has three concentric circles.

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.

Computational Thinking Skills

Why Computational Thinking?

Incorporating computational thinking into elementary education is pivotal for equipping young minds with crucial skills for the digital era. It supplements traditional learning, fostering logical reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity in students from an early age. This approach encourages children to deconstruct complex concepts, recognize patterns, and devise systematic solutions, skills essential for academic and real-world challenges. By embedding these skills early on, we prepare students not just for future technological advancements but for critical thinking and innovative problem-solving in diverse fields. At KIPP, we believe that it is crucial to incorporate computational thinking to all of our learners as it lays a foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

10 Reasons to Implement Computational Thinking

Integrating computational thinking into elementary curricula offers numerous benefits that are essential for the holistic development of young learners. Here are some key reasons for its integration:

Foundation for Future Learning: Computational thinking provides students with a foundational skill set that is crucial for understanding more complex concepts in technology, mathematics, and science as they progress in their education.
Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: It teaches students how to approach problems methodically, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts, thereby enhancing their ability to solve complex issues both in and out of the classroom.
Promotes Logical and Critical Thinking: Computational thinking encourages logical analysis and critical thinking, skills that are valuable in every academic discipline and in everyday decision-making.
Prepares for the Digital Age: As we live in an increasingly digital world, having a strong grasp of computational thinking prepares students for a future where technology will be even more intertwined in all aspects of life.
Encourages Creativity and Innovation: By learning computational thinking, students are not only consumers of technology but also become creators, capable of designing their own solutions and innovations.
Supports Other Academic Areas: Computational thinking skills are transferable and can enhance learning in other subjects like language arts, by teaching students how to structure their thoughts, and in sciences, through data analysis and hypothesis testing.
Develops Persistence and Resilience: Learning to code and solve problems computationally teaches students perseverance. They learn that failing and trying again is an integral part of the learning process.
Fosters Collaborative Skills: Many computational thinking activities are collaborative, encouraging students to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other, thereby building essential teamwork skills.
Addresses Future Job Market Needs: Given the increasing demand for tech-savvy professionals in various fields, early exposure to computational thinking opens up a wider array of career opportunities for students in the future.
Cultivates Digital Literacy: Beyond using technology, computational thinking helps students understand how and why technology works, making them digitally literate and more aware of the implications of technology in society.