A Digital Age Skill for All [space for presenters name, organization]

I am working on computational thinking issues. I want to learn more about computational thinking. I’m not sure about computational thinking. Who is in the audience?

Critical Thinking + Computing Power = Making Decisions and Innovate Solutions What is CT?

Why CT? Why Now? [Video Placeholder] A Digital Age Skill for Everyone

The number of computer science graduates declined 70% since the peak in 2001 There is a need to fill the skills gap to keep up with technology innovation To maintain global economic competitiveness and national security Why has the NSF Prioritized CT?

To accomplish the following goals: Prepare young learners to become computational thinkers who understand how to use today’s digital tools to help solve tomorrow’s problems. Help teachers envision the potential of CT across all disciplines and be willing to integrate CT in the classroom. Why has CSTA and ISTE Prioritized CT?

The knowledge and skills that students need to know and be able to do by the time they graduate from secondary school. CT for All Students

The CT Student

CT for All Teachers All teachers are responsible for teaching skills, practice, and assessment of CT.

CT for All Teachers Most teachers already incorporate CT basics, but may not know it.

CT for All Teachers CT has a shared vocabulary that can be highlighted in lessons from every discipline.

CT for All Teachers CT is made up of foundational building blocks of concepts, skills, and dispositions that get more sophisticated as students get older.

CT for All Teachers CT doesn’t necessarily require computers.

CT Operational Definition

CT is a problem-solving process that includes (but is not limited to) the following characteristics: Formulating problems in a way that enables us to use a computer and other tools to help solve them Logically organizing and analyzing data Representing data through abstractions such as models and simulations CT Operational Definition

Automating solutions through algorithmic thinking Identifying, analyzing, and implementing possible solutions with the goal of achieving the most efficient and effective combination of steps and resources Generalizing and transferring this problem-solving process to a wide variety of problems CT Operational Definition CT characteristics (cont.):

Dispositions or attitudes that are essential dimensions of CT: Confidence in dealing with complexity Persistence in working with difficult problems Tolerance for ambiguity CT Operational Definition

Dispositions or attitudes that are essential dimensions of CT (cont.): The ability to deal with open-ended problems The ability to communicate and work with others to achieve a common goal or solution CT Operational Definition

CT Building Blocks

Elementary school Data collection Algorithms and procedures CT in the Classroom

Middle school Problem decomposition CT in the Classroom

High school Abstraction CT in the Classroom

CT Learning Experiences

Persuade Me, Please

Develop an understanding of CT Highlight CT vocabulary, skills, and dispositions in your lessons Extend current activities and lessons with CT Engage and share with others who are new to CT Teachers Take Action!

Use the CT Leadership Toolkit Make a CT presentation to your colleagues or at a conference Connect CT to school improvement efforts Support teachers who want to learn more about CT School Leaders Take Action!

Provide feedback on the session, the effectiveness of resources, and the kinds of the resources you’d like to see developed Take the Understanding Computational Thinking survey: Online: By Paper Take Action Now!

CT Teacher Resources and CT Leadership Toolkit For free download at Coming Soon! CT database for links to research and other teacher resources. CT Resources

For more information, contact: Or Thank you!