Random Acts of Computational Thinking: Pattern Recognition
Randomness is powerful. It can be harnessed for creative endeavors, which can in turn be transformed into learning experiences. A past post from this blog, for example, suggested using random functions in Wolfram Language to inspire brainstorming for NaNoWriMo, a creativity-fueled writing challenge.
Creativity is enlivened by randomness, as randomization often involves generative processes. Producing a list of random words suggests connections between them, just as pictures can be found in the random shapes of clouds while cloud-watching. In this sense, pattern recognition is not just a technological process.
This post is the first in a series of “random acts” to help teach you about computational thinking. Each post will share a single randomized function and connect it to a topic like pattern recognition, decomposition and more. Hopefully they inspire your own creativity!
Exploring Pattern Recognition through RandomColor
The function RandomColor is a function that displays, as expected, randomized color blocks. You can add a number between the brackets to generate a certain number of colors. For example, RandomColor[2] displays two colors.
By displaying more than one color, the code invites the viewer to consider what the colors have in common. This involves grouping. In turn, the order of those commonalities becomes a pattern, an organization. A red color, a blue color, then another red color is a pattern of alternating warm and cold colors.
Is there a trend? What might come next in the previous output? (My bet is a light green.)
This function produces a number of colors in a random order, but you can take things further by having students create their own patterns. For example, here is a RandomColor “palette”:
There are different pattern options, from arranging by temperature, in certain intervals or even by an idiosyncratic pattern. Depending on your students’ level, they can add to the complexity. There doesn’t have to be a “correct” answer.
Why Pattern Recognition?
Pattern recognition is an early learned skill, be it recognizing patterns in grammar or evens and odds in math. Patterns can use various sensory inputs, although they’re often thought of as visual. What is a secret knock but a pattern?
Pattern recognition is an important part of computational thinking. It can help students begin the process of abstraction, for example. When object-oriented code is involved, grouping like items can help to build classes. The pattern can then be used to either generate new members of that group or create functions.
RandomColor provides a way to explore the idea of pattern recognition that doesn’t have to rely on numeracy or semantics (though it can). It is visual, but it complements other pattern-recognition tasks. Maybe the random colors could then fuel a class art project!
About the blogger:
Jesika Brooks
Jesika Brooks is an editor and bookworm with a Master of Library and Information Science degree. 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!).
