1.1 Introduction
- Computational thinking is an approach to solving problems using concepts and ideas from computer science, and expressing solutions to those problems so that they can be run on a computer
- Computational thinking involves breaking down a problem in smaller parts, looking for patterns in those sub-problems, figuring out what information is needed, and developing a step-by-step solution
- Some of these problems can be solved without a computer, while some really do need that extra computing power.
- Approaching problems more systematically, developing more efficient solutions, and understanding how computers can be used in the problem-solving process
- There are four what we call pillars to computational thinking: decomposition, pattern recognition, data representation and abstraction, and algorithm
1.2 Decomposition
- Decomposition is the process of taking a complex problem and breaking it into more manageable sub-problems
- We can then arrive at a solution to the original, complex problem. You have probably experienced this when given the assignment of writing a paper. Rather than just sitting down at your keyboard and writing from start to finish, you probably start by developing an outline of the essay
1.3 Pattern Recognition
- Find patterns among the sub-problems, i.e., similarities or shared characteristics
- This entails finding similarities or shared characteristics within or between problems and allows us to use the same solution for each occurrence of the pattern
1.4 Data Representation and Abstraction
- Data representation and abstraction involves determining what characteristics of the problem are important and filtering out those that are not
1.5 Algorithm
- An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions of how to solve a problem. It identifies what is to be done (the instructions), and the order in which they should be done
- An algorithm is the starting point for writing a computer program. And is often expressed at a high level using pseudo code, or flowchart, rather than the English description given on the slide. Both describe instructions, and the order in which the instructions should be done
- Although not every problem requires all four pillars, it is a good framework to use when faced with a problem
Source: Coursera, Computational Thinking-University of Pennsylvania
