1. Computational Thinking in the Classroom
Martine Ceberio
Computer Science Department, UTEP
TnTc 2015 – November 14, 2015, El Paso, TX

2. Computational Thinking?
Computational thinking is a way of
solving problems,
designing systems, and
understanding human behavior that draws on concepts fundamental to computer science.
To flourish in today's world, computational thinking has to be a fundamental part of the way people think and understand the world.
[from Carnegie Mellon University]

3. Computational thinking? (cont’d)
Algorithmically solving problems
Formulating problems such that computers can assist
Analyzing and logically analyzing data
Generalizing and applying this process to other problems
Abstraction, reusability, versatility

4. Computational Thinking? Why?
Being able to solve problems is relevant to many disciplines
Law, medicine, engineering, etc.
Problem based learning (to some extent at least) has proven to be very successful
Exposing students to problem-solving and possibly computer science will give them more options for career

5. Computational Thinking? How?
Obviously, this is central to Computer Science 
Mathematics: posing problems and using the right tools to solve them
But not only… What else?
Tell me what you do in your classes

6. Examples Computer science: Mathematics:
Problem solving rather than on coding
CS unplugged
Kodu or similar
Mathematics:
Posing problems rather than executing operations, repeating
Show that many ways exist to solve a given problem, so that students have to think and pick
Use simple robots

11. Examples (cont’d) Social Studies: Music: Languages:
You can use programs like Scratch
More advanced (more time): robots, lego mindstorm?
Music:
Plug it in an animated video
Languages:
Same as with music but with text for practice

12. Easy (other) ways to get involved…
Partner with Code.org, Exploring CS, CS Principles, Google EngageCSEdu
The Hour of Code: First week of December
After-school programs
E.g., with Little Bits:
Code.org
NCWIT AiC, NCWIT AspireIT

13. What we can do Visit your classes
Give tours and workshops to your students
Give workshops to you to show you in more details what you can do in your classes
Build an interest group of teachers

14. Thank you!
Questions?
Martine Ceberio Associate Professor of Computer Science The University of Texas at El Paso