How to Develop Computational Thinkers: ISTE Blog

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The difference between computer science and computational thinking

CS is part of computing education and it’s the foundation for all computing. So, in essence, CS is the study of computers and the algorithmic design processes in both hardware and software — their application and overall impact on society. On the other hand, CT is a problem-solving skill that involves decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition and algorithm design.

In my previous position with Richmond Public Schools, we chose to dive in with computational thinking, programming and coding, in that order. I recommend building CT competency first by helping students recognize and apply the four elements of CT to familiar problems/situations. Computational thinking should come first because it’s the highest order of problem-solving, is a cross-curricular skill and is understandable to both machines and humans. Here are the four components of CT and how to help students understand them.