Associate Professor, School of Education
Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking
What You'll Learn
- Recognize Computational Thinking concepts in practice through a series of real-world case examples.
- Develop solutions through the application of Computational Thinking concepts to real world problems.
5 Modules
10 Hours
2 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking
Have you ever heard that computers "think"? Believe it or not, computers really do not think. Instead, they do exactly what we tell them to do. Programming is, "telling the computer what to do and how to do it."
Before you can think about programming a computer, you need to work out exactly what it is you want to tell the computer to do. Thinking through problems this way is Computational Thinking. Computational Thinking allows us to take complex problems, understand what the problem is, and develop solutions. We can present these solutions in a way that both computers and people can understand.
The course includes an introduction to computational thinking and a broad definition of each concept, a series of real-world cases that illustrate how computational thinking can be used to solve complex problems, and a student project that asks you to apply what they are learning about Computational Thinking in a real-world situation. This project will be completed in stages (and milestones) and will also include a final disaster response plan you'll share with other learners like you.
This course is designed for anyone who is just beginning programming, is thinking about programming or simply wants to understand a new way of thinking about problems critically. No prior programming is needed. The examples in this course may feel particularly relevant to a High School audience and were designed to be understandable by anyone.
You will learn:
-To define Computational Thinking components including abstraction, problem identification, decomposition, pattern recognition, algorithms, and evaluating solutions
-To recognize Computational Thinking concepts in practice through a series of real-world case examples
-To develop solutions through the application of Computational Thinking concepts to real world problems
Skills You'll Gain
- Analytical Thinking
- Computational Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Graph Algorithms
- Problem Solving
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking, a beginner-friendly course that includes an introduction to computational thinking and a broad definition of each concept, a series of real-world cases that illustrate how computational thinking can be used to solve complex problems, and a student project that asks you to apply what they are learning about Computational Thinking in a real-world situation. This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Foundations of Computational Thinking
- Introduction to the Graphic Organizer
- Real-World Applications of Computational Thinking
Module 2: Case Study: Airport Surveillance and Image Analysis
- Importance of Computational Thinking
- Abstraction and Algorithms
- Evaluating Solutions
- Problem Identification and Decomposition
Module 3: Case Study: Epidemiology
- Introduction and Problem Identification
- Algorithms and Evaluating Solutions
Module 4: Case Study: Human Trafficking
- Importance of Computational Thinking
- How Computational Thinking May Apply
Module Five: Final Project
- Introduction to the Final Project
Grading Policy
Learners must earn an overall grade of 80% to pass the course and earn the certificate. The final grade is based on three quizzes and a final project.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
