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Cracking the Code: Busting Computational Thinking Myths in K-12 Education

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HBGCC - Posters, Table 24

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Session description

This engaging session debunks myths about computational thinking in K-12 education. We'll explore how CT transcends coding, applying it to diverse subjects and real-world contexts. Through interactive activities, you'll learn practical ways to incorporate CT into your classroom, no matter your subject area.

Outline

Introduction (10 minutes)
- Brief overview of computational thinking and its importance in 21st-century education
- Interactive poll: Participants share their current understanding and misconceptions about CT

Myth-Busting (40 minutes)
We'll explore and debunk the following myths:

1. "Computational thinking is only for computer science classes"
2. "You need computers to teach computational thinking"
3. "Computational thinking is too complex for younger students"
4. "Computational thinking stifles creativity"
5. "Computational thinking is just about coding and algorithms"

For each myth:
- Present the myth and its origins
- Provide evidence and examples to debunk it
- Engage participants in a brief activity or discussion to reinforce the concept

Q&A and Conclusion (10 minutes)
- Address participants' questions and concerns
- Recap key takeaways
- Provide additional resources and next steps for implementing CT in their schools

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Supporting research

Computational Thinking Education in K-12: Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Physical Computing
https://direct.mit.edu/books/book-media/5312/epubviewer/2243179

Wing, J. M. (2006). Computational thinking. Communications of the ACM, 49(3), 33-35. https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/1118178.1118215

Facts and Myths about Computational Thinking in Classrooms
https://kevin-cummins-68mu.squarespace.com/journal/2015/7/17/25m8b8ujitcwd5kkakx2rjfolkoe3y

Conceptions and Misconceptions about Computational
Thinking among Italian Primary School Teachers
https://inria.hal.science/hal-01636235/file/conceptions-misconceptions-computational.pdf

Computational thinking in K-12 education. An insight through meta-analysis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15391523.2020.1870250

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Presenters

Emy Aultman

Media specialist

J.L. Lomax Elementary

Kimberly Wright

Instructional Design Manager

Discovery Education

Session specifications

Topic:

Computer Science and Computational Thinking

Grade level:

PK-12

Audience:

Librarian, Teacher, Technology Coach/Trainer

Attendee devices:

Devices useful

Attendee device specification:

Smartphone: Android, iOS, Windows
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: Android, iOS, Windows

Subject area:

Interdisciplinary (STEM/STEAM), Computer Science

ISTE Standards:

For Educators:
Leader

Advocate for equitable access to technology, high-quality digital content, and learning opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Facilitator

Create learning opportunities that challenge students to use a design process and/or computational thinking to innovate and solve problems.
Model and nurture creativity and creative expression to communicate ideas, knowledge or connections.

TLPs:

Ensure Equity, Spark Curiosity