Computational Thinking: A Digital Age Skill for Everyone- David Barr, John Harrison, and Leslie Conery

            The authors of this journal article clarify important details for K -12 educations to the meaning of computational thinking or CT and how to teach or use it in the classroom.  As well, Barr, Harrison & Conery (2011) explain the importance of computational thinking, which is based on “solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science”, and compare it to critical thinking methodologies.

The article goes on to state that there is no definitive definition of computational thinking and educators are finding it hard to guide their students, however key educational groups developed a project that would construct easier accessibility and understanding of CT for educators.  The project is helping to bridge the gaps in comprehension by providing the foundation for educators to become knowledgeable about and build CT skills.  There hope is to facilitate an easier conceptualization in order to apply and use it for current objective goals, lesson practices, and curriculum structure within all K-12 grades in the classroom. 

The article continues by speaking about the canon debate over the true definition of computational thinking adding that its shifting concepts are always developing and its extended definition is continually evolving as to how it relates in our K-12 education.  What I feel is important is that educators guide students into learning the concepts of both computational thinking and critical thinking.  The integration of both problem solving skills is essential in today’s technologically based learning environment.  

 Students need to become familiarized with computers, but also need to be knowledgeable as to the power of their own mind.  Knowing that “the human mind is by far the most powerful problem solving tool we have, the ability to extend the power of human thought with computers and other digital tools has become an essential part of our everyday lives and work” (Barr et. al., 2011).  Our goal as reflective educators is to provide pedagogical content knowledge to prepare our students and what better way than to integrate computational thinking into critical thinking.

Barr, D., Harrison, J. & Conery, L. (2011). Computational Thinking: A Digital Age Skill for Everyone. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(1), 20-23. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/ learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march/april-2011.aspx