Report of a Workshop on the Scope and Nature of Computational Thinking presents
a number of perspectives on the definition and applicability of computational
thinking. For example, one idea expressed during the workshop is that computational
thinking is a fundamental analytical skill that everyone can use to help
solve problems, design systems, and understand human behavior, making it
useful in a number of fields. Supporters of this viewpoint believe that
computational thinking is comparable to the linguistic, mathematical and
logical reasoning taught to all children.
Various efforts have been made to
introduce K-12 students to the most basic and essential computational concepts
and college curricula have tried to provide a basis for life-long learning
of increasingly new and advanced computational concepts and technologies.
At both ends of this spectrum, however, most efforts have not focused on
fundamental concepts. The book discusses what some of those fundamental
concepts might be.
Report of a Workshop on the Scope and Nature of Computational Thinking explores
the idea that as the use of computational devices is becoming increasingly
widespread, computational thinking skills should be promulgated more broadly.
The book is an excellent resource for professionals in a wide range of
fields including educators and scientists.
