What, So What, Now what on Computational Thinking

 

Barr, D., Harrison, J., & Conery, L. (2011). Computational thinking: A digital age. International Society for Technology in Education, 20-23. Retrieved from file:///Users/somer006/Downloads/2011-38-6-20-1.pdf

What: In the article Computational thinking: A Digital Age by: David Barr, John Harrison, and Leslie Conery the main components are; what is computational thinking (CT), how can educators make CT available and accessible, how is CT different from other thinking skills, and why is it important. According to the authors CT is basic problem solving skills including designing systems and human behavior as it relates to computer science. It is the same skills that are used in an every day situation just in correlation to computers and computer technologies. We can make CT accessible by arriving at a shared vocabulary for this new way of thinking. First there must be a universal definition, and as the skill progresses it will evolve into age-appropriate examples to take back to the classroom. CT is different according to the authors because it becomes more tool oriented with the computers, and automated systems. It does carry many of the thinking skills that we already use and put them into a computer and technology basis. However Ct is important according to the authors because it can be applied to any field of study. The other part is that students as well as faculty can communicate with others about technology reinforced solutions. (Barr, Harrison & Conery, 2011)

So What: the significance of this article is to show that CT skills are an emerging scholarly attitude. With these skills we can acquire a lot of knowledge from just our computer. It is to remain cordial while working with computers and technology. I learned that as the emerging skills take transformation into the schools there are professionals that disagree with the vocab and meaning of the skills. It has yet to reach unity as many other things in the education world end to do. The article did not really impact my learning I know that there are certain skills that are required while working with technology and certain etiquette to follow. The parts I would further explain are what the 11 percent disagree on and what they think it should be called and evaluated as. So that as an educator I can choose my side for argument when the matter of concern arises.

Now What: in the future I can use this article to bring CT back to my classroom. As a history teacher I can apply all of the CT skills to maintain a worldwide communication for current events. I can also use the skills to let my students use historical patterns to determine where current events are headed or what may be the out come. This is important to a history teacher because in order to know where we are going we must know where we have come from. I still think that students should be cautious when using technology and CT skills not to become over reliable on technology. If technology fails or the systems crash then the students are left with out the know how to maintain scholarly attitudes about history. Although it is important to learn these skills and be able to apply them to technology, I believe it is also important to keep an air of old fashioned thinking skills at hand just in case.