Snowy116:Hi, could any of the students advice what is covered under Elective module Computational Thinking Yr 1 ? Is it an interesting module to take up and will it consume a lot of the students time ?
Hello,
The Computational Thinking module in Y1 focuses on helping students think better, and be a better all-around problem solver. It introduces a new style of thinking and problem solving to the students, in the way that computer scientists think, for example thinking of algorithms or using simple computing heuristics.
In the later part of the module, students will use Scratch, a very basic visual programming language. Scratch usually requires almost no programming knowledge whatsoever, and it is pretty self explanatory. Instead of typing out long lines of code, it instead allows the user to essentially put puzzle pieces together, which then combines the instructions on the puzzle pieces, and if put correctly, will end up in a program. They will be introduced to basic computing jargon, programming design and development. Using scratch, they will design algorithms and use programming solutions to help further their competence in problem solving. Also, at the end, simple cryptography will be taught.
In my opinion, it is a very interesting module, and even if your child is not necessarily hoping for a career in computing, the module will allow them to think better, and be a better problem solver. However, every year it warns of high commitments, and it may be a time-consuming module, but still doable and depends on the individual.
... and they could manage the time a bit better. They were really tight on time (i reached home at four
) The camp started a bit early, some ppl, like me lives very far and i needed to wake up at 5.30
... But generally, i found the camp fun
