Computational thinking, 10 years later
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Computational thinking, 10 years later
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Re: Computational thinking, 10 years later
#2But why.
Children need to learn CS concepts in order to use a computer about the same amount they need to learn mechanical engineering in order to ride on the school bus.
Re: Computational thinking, 10 years later
#3But why. Children need to learn CS concepts in order to use a computer about the same amount they need to learn mechanical engineering in order to ride on the school bus.
We learn to read and write, when we could just as well get all of our information read aloud to us by a few qualified Literary Scientists. I don't think it's a huge leap to expect that many adults would benefit from having some _computational_ literacy of a level beyond a basic introduction to Microsoft Office.
Re: Computational thinking, 10 years later
#4But why. Children need to learn CS concepts in order to use a computer about the same amount they need to learn mechanical engineering in order to ride on the school bus.
How many people's jobs could be automated or made easier if only they knew how to tweak how a bus works?
Re: Computational thinking, 10 years later
#5Just as there are thing incomprehensible without at understanding of at least the principles of algebra and calculus, there are things that are incomprehensible (magic) without an understanding of what computation entails.
Re: Computational thinking, 10 years later
#6Wasn't Papert talking about this stuff in the 1960s and 70s? It seems a little arrogant to celebrate the 10th anniversary of something published in 2006 without reference to the preceeding 50 years.
Re: Computational thinking, 10 years later
#7But why. Children need to learn CS concepts in order to use a computer about the same amount they need to learn mechanical engineering in order to ride on the school bus.
You're mixing up matters in your analogy. Riding a school bus is a passive task. Using a computer is an active task. You need a Mech. Eng. to design and build a bus. You don't need a Mech. Eng. to maintain a bus. Practically everyone should maintain their own personal computers.
I won't go into why CS concepts are important in school. My coffee has not yet reached my bloodstream.
Re: Computational thinking, 10 years later
#8But why. Children need to learn CS concepts in order to use a computer about the same amount they need to learn mechanical engineering in order to ride on the school bus.
You're mixing up matters in your analogy. Riding a school bus is a passive task. Using a computer is an active task. You need a Mech. Eng. to design and build a bus. You don't need a Mech. Eng. to maintain a bus. Practically everyone should maintain their own personal computers. I won't go into why CS concepts are important in school. My coffee has not yet reached my bloodstream.
Okay, fine, let's make it active. Everyone drives cars just like they use computers. We need to teach everyone mechanical engineering now.
Re: Computational thinking, 10 years later
#9But why. Children need to learn CS concepts in order to use a computer about the same amount they need to learn mechanical engineering in order to ride on the school bus.
You're mixing up matters in your analogy. Riding a school bus is a passive task. Using a computer is an active task. You need a Mech. Eng. to design and build a bus. You don't need a Mech. Eng. to maintain a bus. Practically everyone should maintain their own personal computers. I won't go into why CS concepts are important in school. My coffee has not yet reached my bloodstream.
Perhaps a better analogy would be driving cars vs. designing car engines? At least I vaguely recall something like this from Amazon reviews of SICP.
Re: Computational thinking, 10 years later
#10But why. Children need to learn CS concepts in order to use a computer about the same amount they need to learn mechanical engineering in order to ride on the school bus.
Time was lots of high schools had 'auto shop' for those who wanted it.