What Does Computational Thinking Mean?

Computational thinking is an ability that can open many doors for us in the future. Understanding how problems can be formulated, how information can be organized logically, or the ability to think abstractly are all important processes that shape this high-value cognitive approach. In an increasingly complex world, we really need to be able to manage the challenges that the environment poses to us.

Does this mean that we learn to think about how machines do it? Not really. This type of approach also integrates many of the areas that are currently unable or incapable of mastering artificial intelligence. This is because computational reasoning also includes lateral thinking, the ability to control emotional variables, and most importantly, the ability to understand human behavior.

Thus, while the term “computational” brings us closer to that universe of logarithms, chips, and advanced computers and software, this mindset is looking for something completely different. This perspective seeks to address all the challenges that may be faced in the coming years, combining technology and humanity, needs and responses, and challenges and innovative proposals.

Let’s take a closer look at this topic.

Computational thinking: definition, properties and purpose

Computational thinking is a term derived from Seymour Papert’s theories. Seymoyr Papert himself was a South African mathematician and scientist known as the pioneer of artificial intelligence and the inventor of the 1968 Logo programming language. It was he who suggested in 1995 the need to reform education in order to adapt the arrival of computers and their language into the curriculum, thus providing an opportunity to provide the world with educated people in the field of information technology.

Although Dr. Papert laid the foundation for this approach as early as the 1990s, after his death, Dr. Jeannette Wing developed this idea further. In his research, such as Computational thinking and thinking about computing , this computer engineer and former Microsoft CEO explains how computational thinking affects all areas of business.

Like his students, Wing also adheres to one idea: this new competence must be incorporated into education. It is an essential skill that will make an impact in any field in the future: technology, science, the humanities… Let’s look next at what computational thinking is all about.

What exactly is computational thinking?

Computational thinking is a high-level cognitive process that allows us to think through a scientific focus in solving a problem. One thing we know is that computers and new technologies make our lives easier by solving a number of challenges. However, it is essential that we humans go ahead of them.

In addition, Dr. Jeannete Wing has pointed out to us that we need to understand how machines “think” so we can improve their performance in the future. It is about how we connect natural processes to artificial ones and how we connect our intuition and lateral thinking to the cognitive processes that are extracted from computing.

Properties of computational thinking

The task of such a perspective would be to develop a set of different executive tasks that we actually use already in our daily lives. We are simply not aware of them, which is why we are also unable to realize the potential they deserve. After all, nothing can be more enriching than “learning to think better”. As a result, we would solve everyday challenges much more innovatively.

Computational thinking is based on four basic axes, which are as follows:

• Disassembly: Each problem consists of small parts, and to better understand them, they can be broken down into parts.
• Ability to identify different patterns and formulas: Every phenomenon, any experience, stimulus, problem, or condition, usually follows an internal system and responds to a pattern that we can identify.
• Abstract Thinking: This kind of reasoning is unique to man. It allows us to create original or even more interesting ideas and anticipate situations or scenarios to know how we would act in these circumstances.
• Algorithms: An algorithm is a plan, a set of different steps or diagrams that allow us to solve a problem step by step. They allow us to develop a set of clear and simple guidelines to help us face any problem. In addition, there are aspects that define these algorithms, such as the fact that they always contain a limited number of different steps that head toward the endpoint and that are specific (unambiguous).

Steps that define computational thinking

When we are going to engage in computational thinking – in addition to knowing the qualities that define it and that we have already analyzed above – we also need to understand another aspect. It is important to know what sequence computational reasoning usually follows. Let’s look below:

• Analysis. Every starting point for solving a problem always starts with a thorough analysis done earlier.
• Abstraction. The second step is to know how to formulate the problem. What is happening? Is there a particular formula or pattern in it? What kind of strategy can we devise? What experiences have we had from similar situations in the past?
• Application of the solution or proposal. After the strategy we have gone through in our minds, it is time to apply it, to put it to the test.

• Judgment. The application of a solution or proposal is followed by an evaluation shift. Have we achieved the desired outcome or can we perhaps improve it?
• Generalization and transfer. In assessing the success of our achievements, we can utilize the ideas and strategies we have developed at a later stage in other areas and areas as well.

Why is it so important that we learn to think?

Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and one of the world’s foremost thinkers, has pointed out that there are a huge number of people in the world today who make unreasonable decisions (because of impulse) or worse; vote without knowing who they are voting for. Nothing can be as crucial as teaching new generations to think, be critical, or seek to perceive reality from a more analytical and reflective perspective.

Computational thinking is the impetus for the future. Not only does it allow us to solve problems in a smarter way, it also allows us to move forward with artificial intelligence, so that the world of technology can always be positioned to serve the goals and objectives of humanity. Keep that in mind.