Previously schools have had a huge focus on Digital literacy which is a nutshell is how to use technology effectively and properly.
The focus is now shifting to understanding but also CREATING
digital technologies. These are not just using programs already on the
computer, but learning how they are created and what allows them to work.
Computation thinking = a way thinking and problem solving
critical for developing new digital technologies. We want to allow our students
to become the CREATORS!
The Early Years is still new ground for developing these
understandings and supporting the Australian Curriculum.
This is where Computational Thinking steps in, which honestly sounds a lot more complex that it is in reality.
Computational thinking is a problem-solving process where
the goal is to product a systematic salutation to a problem. Analysing what is
the problem, what is needed, what approach to take and exploring a solution.
Really, just normal everyday problem solving. For example:
Data – What do I need to wear today?
Sequence of steps –
1.
What is the temperature and the weather forecast?
2.
What clothing would I wear to suit that weather?
3.
Should I take any other items with me such as an
umbrella?
Decisions –
Deciding based on the data and sequence of steps to wear
warm clothes, a scarf, shoes that won’t allow my feet to get wet, take an
umbrella and choose to drive my car instead of walking.
It is crucial as a teacher that we encourage our students to go beyond learning how to use technology (digital literacy) and
instead turn to creating new technology based solutions (digital technology and
computational thinking). This is clearly the Key Message in Module 1 that is flowing through.
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