Cultivating Computational Thinking Through Data Practice

Abstract

After summarising the research context regarding defining, cultivating, and assessing computational thinking (CT), this theoretical paper examines data modelling using interactive displays, a CT practice that may be cultivated across several school subjects. Although working with data is not explicitly mentioned in some CT definitions, this work may activate different CT components, such as abstraction, decomposition, and pattern recognition. Furthermore, interactive displays, which are primarily a means for visualising data, can also be tools for modelling purposes if used within a modelling cycle. Focusing on this modelling in secondary education, we first consider main activities and their underlying skills, and outline what kind of support should be given to modellers, especially novices, in assisting them to complete this as easily as possible. We then consider what computational environment to use, which learning path to follow, and what assessment of learning to apply. Implications for teacher professional development are included.