This course is designed for current and future STEM educators interested in understanding Computational Thinking and how it can be enacted to support student learning. Computational Thinking is the process by which people make sense of problems where computation, or computational tools, could be leveraged to enact the solution. For example, when students are tasked with solving a word problem they engage in computational thinking by identifying important elements in the written problem and then leveraging mathematical or scientific methods that would lead to a solution. During this course, students will engage with research-based theories, conceptualizations, and practices for engaging with Computational Thinking in STEM learning environments and experiences. Following an introduction to Computational Thinking, students will be supported in making sense of the ideas and practices through published research, existing tools, classroom activities, and reflection on experiences of problem solving and overcoming challenges. As an overarching theme, students will be tasked with making sense of how computational thinking can be applied within their disciplinary and individual contexts as current, or future, educators. Same as EDUC 5844.
