1. The intelligent piece of paper: so what is an algorithm?
Prof Paul Curzon
Queen Mary, University of London
With support from Google,
D of E and the Mayor of London

2. Aims Give you deeper understanding of core topics
What is an algorithm
Computational thinking
in the context of Artificial intelligence
Give you practical ways to teach computing in a fun, thought provoking way
away from computers, focus on concepts
Linked activity sheets and booklets can be downloaded from our website:

3. Artificial Intelligence?
What do we mean by
Artificial Intelligence?
Computing is about making intelligent machines
How is it done?…with algorithms
What do we mean by human intelligence?
If we identify abilities in humans as intelligent, we can then build machines to have these abilities. 1

4. I have a piece of paper that is more intelligent than anyone in this room!

5. Perfect Instructions? I am X… and I go first… Move 1: Go in a corner.
IF the other player did not go there
THEN go in the opposite corner to your move 1.
ELSE go in a free corner. …

6. Algorithm beats humans at their own game
1997, IBM's Deep Blue Supercomputer beat reigning World Chess Champion, Garry Kasparov
…Following an algorithm
…brute force searching
"I'm not afraid to admit that I'm afraid,” -Kasparov

7. 1 Algorithms Algorithms are:
sequences of steps
to be followed in a given order
that achieve some desired effect
Everything computers do involves following algorithms written by humans
They give computers the power to be ‘intelligent’.

8. Computational Thinking Lessons
Algorithmic thinking
Logical Thinking
Abstraction

9. Summary
Algorithms and algorithmic thinking can be introduced in lots of fun ways
Away from computers!
with simple games like noughts and crosses
magic
puzzles

10. Twitter: @TeachingLDNComp
More support
On our website to support this session:
Activity sheets
Story sheets
Slides
Details of more worskshops/courses
free unplugged sessions
subsidised courses (e.g. GCSE programming)

11. Together we are Teaching London Computing
Thank you!