Teaching Computational Thinking from edX

This course is designed to show you how to teach computational thinking to children aged 7-12+. The course will be valuable to you, whether you are new to this approach or an enthusiastic practitioner. It offers ways to explore computational thinking using simple tools readily available in classrooms and homes, such as cards, chalk and scales to engage with students.

Based on the content in the popular open-source CS Unplugged website (csunplugged.org), this course demonstrates how to teach computational thinking from unplugged to plugging-it-in with programming.

Each module will weave in the following:

Connections to apply CS Unplugged into classroom programmes by structuring the modules to have suitable activities that lead on from each other.
An explanation of why we value computational thinking in the classroom
What is the big picture around computational thinking (especially, what is computation, and how does it fit with all the definitions of computational thinking that teachers may encounter),
The “so what” about each concept, how it connects to people, and where you see it in everyday life
Stories of history – human connections

What's inside

Learning objectives

Binary basics
Text and image representation
Error control – how digital devices detect and correct errors in data

Human computer interaction – how to evaluate and create interfaces that work for people
Human capabilities

Binary basics
Text and image representation
Error control – how digital devices detect and correct errors in data
Human computer interaction – how to evaluate and create interfaces that work for people
Human capabilities

Syllabus

To achieve the goal of this course of learning the foundational skills, the program learning outcomes are:

Know how to engage students with a range of deep ideas from Computational Thinking.

Explain how a Parallel Sorting Network can be used to engage students with deep ideas in Computational Thinking.

Explain how numbers, letters and images can be represented using just two symbols i.e. binary representation

Know how to engage students with examples of error detection and correction to enable them to recognise how data is stored and shared safely in everyday life

Explain why interface evaluation is an important skill in Computational Thinking, and be able to support learners to assess interfaces from the user’s point of view.

The aim of this course is to equip you so that you can support your learners in developing student agency while using their creativity and knowledge of computational thinking to potentially influence the future of society.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive overview of computational thinking concepts for children aged 7-12+

Instructors have extensive experience in teaching computational thinking to children

Emphasizes the importance of computational thinking in the classroom

Provides concrete examples of how to apply computational thinking concepts in various contexts

Suitable for both educators and parents

Leverages the popular CS Unplugged website for practical guidance

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teaching Computational Thinking with these activities:

Grokking Binary Basics: A Refresher

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Understand the fundamental concepts of binary numbers to prepare for the course.

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Review the basic concepts of binary numbers, such as bits, bytes, and binary digits (0s and 1s).
Practice converting binary numbers to decimal and vice versa.

Practice Binary Representation Problems on HackerRank

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Enhance your understanding of binary representation by solving practice problems.

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Create an account on HackerRank, an online coding platform.
Solve binary representation problems under the 'Mathematics' section.

Explore How Error Control Works

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Learn the mechanisms of error control to secure data in digital devices.

Browse courses on Error Control

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Find online tutorials or articles on error control methods, such as parity checks or checksums.
Understand how these methods detect and correct errors in data transmission.

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Design a Digital Interface for a Simple App

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Apply principles of human computer interaction to create a user-friendly digital interface.

Browse courses on Human Computer Interaction

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Identify a simple task or function for the app.
Sketch out a user interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate.
Consider factors like color scheme, typography, and button placement.

Volunteer at a Local Computer Club or Tech Event

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Engage with the community while practicing your computational thinking skills.

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Find a local computer club or tech event that focuses on computational thinking.
Offer your assistance as a volunteer, helping with workshops or demonstrations.
Share your knowledge and learn from others in the field.

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching Computational Thinking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher

This course will provide you with the necessary skills to effectively teach computational thinking concepts to students aged 7-12+. Computational thinking is a valuable skill to develop, as it teaches students essential problem-solving and analytical skills. By taking this course, you will gain a deep understanding of computational thinking and how to incorporate it into your teaching. This will allow you to prepare your students for the future and help them succeed in a world increasingly driven by technology.

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Instructional Designer

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for instructional designers, as it can be applied to the design of learning materials and experiences. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to incorporate computational thinking into your instructional design work. You will learn how to use computational thinking tools and techniques to create engaging and effective learning experiences for your students.

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Database Administrator

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for database administrators, as it allows them to design and develop databases that are both efficient and effective. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective databases. You will learn how to use database administration tools and techniques to create databases that meet the needs of users.

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Web Developer

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for web developers, as it allows them to design and develop user-friendly and efficient websites. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective websites. You will learn how to use web development tools and techniques to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional.

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Information Security Analyst

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for information security analysts, as it allows them to design and develop security systems that are both efficient and effective. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective security systems. You will learn how to use information security tools and techniques to create security systems that protect against cyber threats.

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Product Manager

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for product managers, as it allows them to design and develop products that meet the needs of users. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective products. You will learn how to use product management tools and techniques to create products that are both useful and desirable.

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Computer Scientist

This course will provide you with a strong foundation for a career in computer science. By learning about computational thinking, you will gain a deep understanding of the principles of computer science and how computers work. This knowledge will be invaluable as you begin your career as a computer scientist.

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Game Developer

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for game developers, as it allows them to design and develop engaging and challenging games. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective games. You will learn how to use game development tools and techniques to create games that are both fun and educational.

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Robotics Engineer

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for robotics engineers, as it allows them to design and develop robots that are both efficient and effective. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective robots. You will learn how to use robotics tools and techniques to create robots that can perform a variety of tasks.

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Systems Analyst

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for systems analysts, as it allows them to design and develop systems that are both efficient and effective. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective systems. You will learn how to use systems analysis tools and techniques to create systems that meet the needs of users.

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User Experience Designer

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for user experience designers, as it allows them to design and develop user interfaces that are both user-friendly and efficient. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective user interfaces. You will learn how to use user experience design tools and techniques to create user interfaces that are both visually appealing and functional.

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Cybersecurity Engineer

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for cybersecurity engineers, as it allows them to design and develop cybersecurity systems that are both efficient and effective. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective cybersecurity systems. You will learn how to use cybersecurity tools and techniques to create cybersecurity systems that protect against cyber threats.

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Software Engineer

This course can provide you with a strong foundation for a career in software engineering. By learning about computational thinking, you will gain a deep understanding of the principles of computer science and how software is designed and developed. This knowledge will be invaluable as you begin your career as a software engineer.

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Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Computational thinking is a valuable skill for artificial intelligence engineers, as it allows them to design and develop AI systems that are both efficient and effective. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to create effective AI systems. You will learn how to use AI tools and techniques to create AI systems that can solve a variety of problems.

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Data Analyst

Computational thinking is a critical skill for data analysts, as it allows them to effectively collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use computational thinking to solve real-world problems. You will learn how to use data analysis tools and techniques to extract insights from data and make informed decisions.

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