Press Play to Learn: 17+ Videos to Help You Understand Computational Thinking
Computational thinking is, ultimately, a way to solve problems. It’s inquiry à la computer, if not by computer. Using techniques such as decomposition and abstraction, you can break problems down into smaller parts, analyze possible bottlenecks and figure out solutions.
If you’re a teacher, showing students how to use computational thinking can help them improve their problem-solving abilities. Computational thinking likens to the 21st-century skills that students are supposed to learn in order to thrive in an increasingly technology-focused world.
But while that’s all well and good, what does “computational thinking” actually mean?
There are plenty of written guides online, from Jeannette Wing’s writings to bite-size explainers. For something more engaging, however, videos can provide a fun way to learn.
Between TED Talks and YouTube, there’s no lack of videos. Videos are not only interesting, but they’re also easily shared through learning management systems. This makes them well suited to online learning environments.
Below you’ll find videos ranging from introductory computational thinking talks to in-depth looks at computational thinking concepts.
INTRO TO COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
If you’re looking to learn about computational thinking in general, these videos offer a broad overview of main concepts.
“Computational Thinking: A Digital Age Skill for Everyone,” by ISTE
“Episode 02: Computational Thinking,” by Hello Ruby
“Jeannette Wing: Computational Thinking,” by TU Wien
“Computational Thinking,” by Microsoft Research
“Computational Thinking: What Is It? How Should It Be Taught?,” by David Higson
“Introducing Computational Thinking,” by Brian Aspinall
APPLIED COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
These videos consider ways to apply computational thinking, from classroom code to real-world problems.
“The Frontiers of Computational Thinking | Interactive 2015 | SXSW,” by SXSW
“From AI to Computational Thinking | Fredrik Heintz | TEDxNorrköping,” by TEDx Talks
DECOMPOSITION
These videos break down decomposition, or the deconstruction of an object or idea into smaller parts.
“Introduction to Decomposition,” by Robotics Academy
“Decomposition, Abstraction & Algorithmic Thinking,” by Computer Science Tutor
“Computational Thinking: Decomposition,” by Curriki
ALGORITHMIC THINKING
Learn more about algorithmic thinking and algorithms with these basic explainers and in-depth lectures.
“Intro to Algorithms: Crash Course Computer Science #13,” by CrashCourse
“What’s an Algorithm? — David J. Malan,” by TED-Ed
“How Algorithms Shape Our World — Kevin Slavin,” by TED-Ed
“1. Algorithmic Thinking, Peak Finding,” by MIT OpenCourseWare
ABSTRACTION AND PATTERN MATCHING
Abstraction and pattern matching, two important concepts in computational thinking, are explored in the videos below.
“The Art of Abstraction — Computerphile,” by Computerphile
“Computational Thinking: Abstraction and Pattern Generalization,” by Curriki
Looking for more resources? Check out this channel of videos relating to computational thinking from Wolfram Research. Several of the videos show how to use coding and notebooks to apply computational thinking to real-world problems.
About the blogger:
Jesika Brooks
Jesika Brooks is an editor and bookworm with a Master of Library and Information Science degree. She works in the field of higher education as an educational technology librarian, assisting with everything from setting up Learning Management Systems to teaching students how to use edtech tools. A lifelong learner herself, she has always been fascinated by the intersection of education and technology. She edits the Tech-Based Teaching blog (and always wants to hear from new voices!).
