Get to know the skill that’s becoming essential for children growing up in the 21st century
- Experts believe computational thinking is the fifth essential skill, along with critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication
- It involves problem-solving using concepts fundamental to computer science, and can be learned by anyone
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Time might be running out for those struggling to adapt to the dynamic digitised world – one that requires a revamp of an individual’s skill set and demands that they stay one step ahead of trends.
Computational thinking – which draws on the concepts fundamental to computer science to solve problems, design systems and understand human behaviour – can help, but it has remained under the radar despite the prominent role it is likely to play in shaping the future world.
Experts such as Shuchi Grover, a former senior research scientist at SRI International’s Centre for Technology in learning and a consultant on STEM, computer science and computational thinking research, believe that computational thinking is the fifth “C” of essential 21st century skills, alongside critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.
As an emerging concept, computational thinking continues to mystify many people, and there are still misconceptions about its purpose.
“Lots of people think computational thinking is only relevant and important for computer programmers,” says Law Kam-yuen, a CoolThink@JC Fellow who is also Assistant Principal and Coordinator of Innovation & Technology at The Education University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Primary School.