Computational Thinking – This globalization era will indeed continue to develop, including the technology will also continue to develop. Therefore, we will meet new technologies that are increasingly sophisticated and increasingly we will feel that our lives and activities are becoming faster. This is because we must be able to keep up with the times and increasingly dynamic technology. If we take too long to keep up with the times and technology, it is possible that we will be left behind.
We must be able to think quickly about what we should do in the future. In addition, must develop what we have done. For example, we write a letter, then we must be able to develop it into a word to a sentence. If we can develop something, then we already have a way of thinking to move forward or be more dynamic.
This mindset is the same as how a technology works where it will accept tasks and complete them quickly. Things like this can happen because we are starting to live side by side with technology, and like it or not and like it or not, we have to have a way of thinking that is almost the same as technology. This needs to be done so that we can keep abreast of the times and technological developments.
It has become a common thing, for many people, that almost all of the daily activities are related to technology. In fact, some of the problems we are currently facing can sometimes be solved with existing technology. Therefore, we should be able to apply ways of thinking like computer science (informatics) techniques. By applying this way of thinking, it will be easy for us to think critically and creatively.
In this case, the technology in question is computer technology. The development of this computer always leads to a modern and faster direction, so that when we use it, the activities we carry out will feel easier. In a life that we live, whether we use a computer or not, we must be able to think like a computer that is able to understand a thing or problem quickly, so that we can find a solution to a problem quickly. This pattern of thinking is known as “computational thinking”.
Then, what is computational thinking according to experts and what are examples of computational thinking like? So, to get all the answers, you can see this review, Sinaumed’s. So, happy reading.
Definition of Computational Thinking
Because we live side by side with technology, we need to think like a machine that can move dynamically. Therefore, computational thinking can be a concept or a way to observe problems and find solutions to these problems by applying computer science technology. By thinking computationally, someone will be able to observe problems, solve problems so that they can develop solutions from solving problems.
Basically, computational thinking is indeed adapting a thought or way of working that comes from a computer. However, some people still think that computational thinking must use computer applications. In fact what is meant by computational thinking is not having to use a computer.
The term Computational Thinking or shortened to CT or computational thinking was first introduced in general in 1980 and 1996 by Seymor Papert. Over time, in 2014, the British government began bringing programming material into the curriculum from elementary to high school. The inclusion of programming material into the education curriculum so that students are familiar with technology from an early age. In addition, students are also expected to be able to think computationally from an early age.
The program carried out by the British government was apparently supported by figures who have influence in the field of technology, such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and others. Facilities that can support the process of learning activities are assisted by the company Google through online training so that teachers or educators can understand and master Computational Thinking (CT).
Basically, to think computationally is not easy or you could say it requires more effort. Even though it’s hard to do, we have to believe and believe that we can change our thinking patterns into computational thinking patterns. Therefore, we must accustom ourselves to think computationally in any situation. If we are used to thinking computationally, then we will feel the positive impact, namely being able to think quickly, easily, and precisely.
In order to get used to thinking computationally, one should be taught from an early age to think computationally. It would be nice if every school in Indonesia has started to incorporate a programming curriculum into the elementary and middle school education curriculum, so that computational thinking patterns can be instilled from an early age.
Characteristics of Computational Thinking
After discussing the meaning of computational thinking, now the next discussion is computational thinking. The characteristics of computational thinking are as follows.
1. Fundamental Not Memorizing
The first characteristic of computational thinking is fundamental not memorizing. In this case, what is meant by fundamental is ability. Every human being who already has basic abilities means that he can understand something well, so it will be easy to find a solution to a problem. In fact, that person can develop a solution from a problem solving
On the other hand, with someone who has abilities based on memorization, it is likely that it will be difficult to solve problems because it is possible to forget something that is understood. Therefore, someone who already has basic abilities and already understands something without memorizing it, it can be said that this person can already think computationally.
2. According to the Concept of Not Programming
The second characteristic of computational thinking is that it corresponds to non-programming concepts. In other words, computers and science are not just computer programming, but we must be able to think like people who are proficient in the world of computers and science. In fact, we should also understand the programs that are on the computer.
With this characteristic, one must be accustomed to using programs on computers from an early age, so that it will be easy to understand the concept of computational thinking. In addition, we will be proficient in running computer programming faster. If you are proficient in using computer programming, it will be easy for you to keep up with the times and be able to adapt to technology.
3. Ideas and Not Things
The third characteristic of computational thinking is that it prioritizes ideas or ideas over things. In other words, in solving a problem at hand, it is better to prioritize using computational concepts. Not only that, this idea or concept should also be used in daily activities, managing daily life, and used when carrying out social interactions with other people.
With this characteristic, you could say that this computational concept can be trained to get used to using it. This needs to be done because computational concepts can provide many benefits for the lives we live. Not only that, computational concepts can develop our ability to understand a problem, so that we can find solutions to a problem easily.
4. Complementary
The fourth characteristic of computational thinking is the complementarity between engineering and mathematics. Complementary can be interpreted like computer science which is very closely related to mathematical thinking. Not only complementing it, but we also have to get used to combining mathematical thinking with technical thinking.
When we complement and combine mathematical thinking and engineering thinking, we are indirectly able to distinguish various kinds of things that can benefit or harm us. In addition, we will easily do something that is very related to mathematics, such as building a building that is done by an engineer or architect.
5. Must be able to operate a computer
The fifth characteristic of computational thinking is having to be able to operate a computer. As we know that computational thinking is adopted from computer science technology, so it is natural for humans to be able to operate computers. Moreover, in this modern era, every individual should operate a computer.
If you can operate a computer, it will be easy for you to work in any field. In simple terms, proficiency in operating a computer, we have many choices to continue a career, such as in the fields of law, health, education, business, to the arts.
6. Can be used by anyone and anywhere
The sixth characteristic of computational thinking is that it can be used by anyone and anywhere. In other words, computational thinking can appear by everyone, including yourself and computational thinking can be used anywhere, such as schools, homes, offices, and so on. In fact, it’s even better to use the concept of computational thinking in every activity we do.
New computational thinking patterns can be well realized, if they meet real human efforts which then turn into something philosophical and explicit. In short, computational efforts or actions and patterns of thinking must be well intertwined, so that a problem can be solved or solved properly too.
7. Applying the Way Humans Think Not the Way Computers Think
The seventh characteristic of computational thinking is applying the way humans think, not the way computers think. As previously explained, if computational thinking is a method or a person’s way of solving or solving problems. Therefore, every human being must use his own way of thinking, not following the computer’s way of thinking.
With this characteristic, a person should begin to realize that he has greater abilities than a computer. Therefore, in solving a problem, humans must be aware that computers are controlled by humans, not humans who are controlled by computers. By being aware of things like that, then a problem will be easy to solve or solve.
8. Is Challenging From an Intellectual Point of View
The eighth characteristic of computational thinking is that it is challenging from an intellectual point of view. In this characteristic, someone who thinks computationally will make every effort to understand and solve a scientific problem. In other words, by thinking computationally, our curiosity and creativity will be honed properly.
If curiosity and creativity have developed, ideas and ideas for doing something or solving a problem will also develop. In addition, the insight that we have with the presence of curiosity, even we are also able to think creatively, so that we will never run out of ideas or ideas.
Benefits of Computational Thinking
Computational thinking has several benefits, including:
1. Make it easy for us to solve large and complex problems in an effective and efficient way. In addition, complex problems can be solved properly, so that they become simple problems.
2. Train the brain to get used to start thinking mathematically, creatively, structured and logically.
3. Make it easier for someone to observe the problem and find a solution to the problem. The more solutions you have, the more effectively and efficiently a problem can be solved.
Computational Ways of Thinking
To make it easier to apply computational thinking in everyday life, we need to know the ways or stages for computational thinking. The following will explain computational thinking.
1. Decomposition
Decomposition is a method or concept that functions to find a solution from a complex and large problem into smaller problems. If a large and complex problem becomes small, then the problem is easy to solve. In fact, decomposition can be used to make it easier for us to find and implement an innovation. For example, we sell a product, then for the product to be innovated, it is very likely that the product will sell well.
2. Pattern Recognition
Pattern recognition is a method that utilizes a computer to find regularities in data and to obtain more important information in order to understand the regularities that have been found. This pattern recognition is usually done when we recognize someone from their voice, face, even this pattern recognition can be used to predict the weather. In a natural phenomenon, pattern recognition can actually be seen in the earth’s rotation pattern, constellation patterns, patterns on leaves, and so on.
3. Abstraction
Abstraction is a method of computational thinking that prioritizes things that are directly related to the problem at hand. In addition, this abstraction concept will leave various things that are considered unable to be used to solve a problem.
4. Algorithm
An algorithm is a mindset that is used to plan systematic steps to solve a problem that is happening. Even though this algorithm is often associated with calculations, this thinking method can be used to solve various kinds of problems that exist in everyday life.
Conclusion
In this increasingly modern and dynamic era, every human being should have a fast and dynamic mindset so as not to be left behind by other individuals. Therefore, every human being should be able to think computationally, especially now that the use of technology is unavoidable in everyday life.
By thinking computationally, it will be easy for someone to observe problems, find solutions to problems, solve problems, and be able to develop solutions or solve problems. In addition, computational thinking sharpens us to think more effectively and efficiently.
Source: From various sources