Computational Thinker

One of the ISTE 2016 Standards for Students is called Computational Thinker.

In this standard, students are expected to develop their abilities to solve problems.

It used to be called critical thinking.  The shift in the name of the standard, I believe, comes with a new thought that learners need to think in the same ways that computers work because there is so much innovation.

Part of this standard requires students to be able to break problems into smaller parts.  Another calls for students to think using algorithms because of the need to understand automation.  This allows students to think in steps in order to test or create a solution to a problem.

Computational thinking is not an easy thing to teach a student, until now.  This year, Kearsarge Regional School District brought in Dash Robots in order to help develop the computational thinking skills of students.

Here is how it work.  Students use an iPad with an app called Blockly.  Students use the app to put together a sequence of commands and then test these commands out with the Dash Robot.  Students are learning how to create sequences, loops, and conditionals.  Dash can be programmed to dance, make sounds and say things.  Dash can be programmed to respond to your voice.

Recently, some 6th graders had a chance to work with the Dash Robots to develop their computational thinking skills.  Students were able to program the Dash Robot using the Blockly app and had a lot of fun getting Dash to move, dance and talk.

Our goal is to continue to use the Dash Robots with students to help them learn how to solve problems and learn how to think computationally.  Computer programing is an important skill for students to develop and the Dash Robots offer a fun way to learn this skill.