Foundations

Take ownership of what computational thinking means in your district by defining what it means to you and what it looks like in the classroom.

Review the resources below to decipher “what counts” for your students to develop computational thinking skills in your district.

Perspectives on computational thinking

The resources below provide different perspectives about essential components of computational thinking, which you may find useful in defining it in your district.

• The 5th C of 21st Century Skills?
  • This EdSurge article argues that computational thinking is a critical skill for all students in the 21st century, along with the four other “C’s” – critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.
• ”Computational Thinking or Computational Teamwork?”
  • This blog post argues that an essential aspect of computational thinking is strategizing how people and machines engage in problem solving processes together.
• Computational Thinking for a Computational World
  • This report from Digital Promise reviews what is important for students to know and know how to do in order to participate in a computational world.
• Computational Thinking Leadership Toolkit
  • This toolkit developed by CSTA and ISTE shares context for why districts should integrate CT into K-12 education and resources for creating systemic change.
• Language matters: How language around computing influences research and practice in an RPP
  • This white paper describes how language around computing influences goals, values and needs. By talking (and thinking) in terms of the foundational and practical competencies, districts can better identify their own points of curricular integration and the necessary tools to develop their own K-12 pathways, opening wider and more equitable access to their students and community.