Hello everyone,
I am currently enjoying mid-winter break as I’m a NYCPS teacher. Nowadays, many students in my class are learning how to expand on their computational thinking skills. Many people assume that means they have to learn how to use a computer better, type faster, etc. However, that is not the case.
Computational thinking skills fall into four categories: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking.
Decomposition focuses on taking apart something complex and breaking it down into smaller steps. When relating this particular skill to the classroom, I think of a learning goal and listing out steps on. how students can achieve the goal.
Pattern recognition focuses on repetitions. I think of seeing patterns in bulletin board borders, clothings, and color-coded libraries or supply baskets.
Abstraction focuses on the important details and filters out what is not necessary to solving the problem. I think this is an important skill when students are being asked to read their books and summarize the important events of the text.
Algorithmic thinking focuses on the sequence of steps or events. I think of classroom routines, such as how to line up to transition to another classroom or how to pack up at the end of the day.
All these four computational thinking skills are very important for students learning in the classroom and beyond the school building. I will be learning and exploring more about how to embed these computational thinking skills into the curriculums and everyday lives. Stay tuned!
xoxo,
Kelly
Tech Savvy Classroom 