This was a very interesting session in which we discussed what defines computational thinking. We concluded that computational thinking is NOT:

-Thinking like a computer

-Thinking like a computer scientist

but that it IS:

-Thinking about the steps to solve problems or rules that govern the system

We looked in particular at `algorithms`, which are essentially a sequence of instructions and rules. Computer programs are written with algorithms, and we learnt how much detail needs to go into them. We had a go at writing detailed instructions for how to make a pizza, and then how to make a jam sandwich, and one of us had a go at following these latter instructions (following them very literally), with hilarious results!

I feel that it would be great fun to have a go at this kind of activity with children. You could perhaps split them into threes, and two of the three can try and write intructions for the 3rd child to get to a particular place in the room, having to get around all of the obstacles in the way.

I thought the session today on how to use the IWB was really useful. I learnt that the IWB can be a great way to engage children, particularly if you use it cleverly and take full advantage of the features it has to offer (a good use of pictures during lessons can be very effective, particularly if the children come into the classroom and there is a striking picture on the IWB!). You should not let the IWB blind you from what you are trying to achieve with a lesson, though. You should use it to aid the lesson, not to lead it.

I enjoyed trying it out for myself and creating an activity on Smart Notebook where children could sort animals who live in the amazon rainforest from those who didn’t (unfortunately I didn’t save the activity so can’t share an image with you of the activity that I created). I’m going to download Smart Notebook onto my own laptop so that I can play around with it in my own time.

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