Computational Thinking - Review

What is computational thinking?

• It allows you to break down a large / complex problem into smaller parts.
• It is thinking like a robot
• It is being able to bake a cake.
• It is creating a coding solution to a problem.

What are the three key parts of computational thinking?

• Programming, flowcharts and pseudo code
• Abstraction, decomposition and algorithm
• Input, processing and output
• Patterns, shapes and numbers

What is abstraction?

• A painting
• A programming language
• This means focusing on the important details and ignoring the irrelevant information
• Abstraction is the breaking down of a big problem into smaller parts.

What does decomposition mean?

• focuses on the important information only, ignoring irrelevant detail
• Step by step instructions on solving a problem.
• Thinking like a computer
• This is the breaking down of a complex problem into smaller parts

What is an algorithm?

• A sequence of instructions on how to solve a problem.
• The breaking down of a problem into smaller parts.
• Focusing on important parts and ignoring the irrelevant details
• The recipe for a cake

What is a flowchart?

• A visual representation of an algorithm using symbols
• Using 'fake code' to plan an algorithm
• Using a programming language to show an algorithm
• Uisng different types of charts to show an algorithm

Define PATTERN RECOGNITION.

• A sequence of instructions.

• Looking for similarities and trends.

• Breaking a task into smaller tasks.

• Focusing on what is important and ignoring what is unnecessary.

What do we mean by COMPUTATIONAL THINKING?

• Understanding a complex problem and developing possible solutions.

• Breaking a task into smaller tasks.

• Selecting a computer to use.

• Focusing on what is important, ignoring what is unnecessary.

Why do we need to think computationally?

• To help us program
• To help us solve complex problems more easily
• To help us to think like a computer

If you had multiple problems and needed to make it easier for yourself what process might you use?

• Abstraction

• Algorithmic thinking

• Decomposition

• Recognising the pattern