Discovering computational thinking in everyday problem solving: A multiple case study of route planning.

Background: The idea of computational thinking is underpinned by the belief that anyone can learn and use the underlying concepts of computer science to solve everyday problems. However, most studies on the topic have investigated the development of computational thinking through programming activit...

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Publicado en:Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Vol. 38; no. 6; pp. 1779 - 1797
Autores principales: Ezeamuzie, Ndudi O., Leung, Jessica S. C., Garcia, Raycelle C. C., Ting, Fridolin S. T.
Formato: computer program equations & formulas pictorial research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Dec2022
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Dec2022
      vid: 38
      iid: 6
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
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        10.1111/jcal.12720
        160487813
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        atl: Discovering computational thinking in everyday problem solving: A multiple case study of route planning.
      aug:
        au:
          Ezeamuzie, Ndudi O.
          Leung, Jessica S. C.
          Garcia, Raycelle C. C.
          Ting, Fridolin S. T.
        affil: Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
      sug:
        subj:
          Thinking
          Computers and Computerization
          Problem Solving
          Learning Methods
          Human
          Funding Source
          Case Studies
          Students, College
          Programming Languages
          Algorithms
          Conceptual Framework
          Outcomes of Education
          Activities of Daily Living
          Quality of Life
          Teaching Materials
          Male
          Female
          Open-Ended Questionnaires
          Exploratory Research
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: The idea of computational thinking is underpinned by the belief that anyone can learn and use the underlying concepts of computer science to solve everyday problems. However, most studies on the topic have investigated the development of computational thinking through programming activities, which are cognitively demanding. There is a dearth of evidence on how computational thinking augments everyday problem solving when it is decontextualized from programming. Objectives: In this study, we examined how computational thinking, when untangled from the haze of programming, is demonstrated in everyday problem solving, and investigated the features of such solvable problems. Methods: Using a multiple case study approach, we tracked how seven university students used computational thinking to solve the everyday problem of a route planning task as part of an 8‐week‐long Python programming course. Results and Conclusions: Computational thinking practices are latent in everyday problems, and intentionally structuring everyday problems is valuable for discovering the applicability of computational thinking. Decomposition and abstraction are prominent computational thinking components used to simplify everyday problem solving. Implications: It is important to strike a balance between the correctness of algorithms and simplification of the process of everyday problem solving. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Computational thinking is a problem solving skill.Computational thinking is different from programming.There is dearth of evidence on how computational thinking augments everyday problem solving. What this paper adds: Computational thinking practices are latent in everyday problem solving.Intentional restructuring of problems is required to uncover how computational thinking applies in solving them. Implications for practices: Decomposition and abstraction are critical in solving everyday problems.Computational thinking should be taught explicitly through everyday problems.Finding balance between the correctness of algorithm and simplification of the problem solving process is important.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        computer program
        equations & formulas
        pictorial
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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