Skill for Everyone
Computational thinking is a problem-solving process that includes:
• Formulating problems in a way that
enables us to use a computer and
other tools to help solve them
• Logically organizing and analyzing
data
• Representing data through abstractions, such as models and simulations
• Automating solutions through algorithmic thinking (a series of ordered
steps)
• Identifying, analyzing, and implementing possible solutions with the
goal of achieving the most efficient
and effective combination of steps
and resources
• Generalizing and transferring this
problem-solving process to a wide
variety of problems
These skills are supported and en-
hanced by a number of dispositions or
attitudes that are essential dimensions
of CT, including:
• Confidence in dealing with complexity
• Persistence in working with
difficult problems
• Tolerance for ambiguity
• The ability to deal with open-ended problems
• The ability to communicate and
work with others to achieve a
common goal or solution
More than 82% of the 697 respon-
dents agreed or strongly agreed that
this definition captured the essential
elements of CT. An additional 9%
confirmed that the definition would
do as a means to build consensus in
the PK– 12 community. On the basis
of this survey and feedback from
educators gathered through confer-
ence presentations and other infor-
mal data collection, project leaders
have begun implementing the next
phase of the project, which involves
