LEARNING UNIT 1:
LEARNING UNIT 1:
COMPUTATIONAL
COMPUTATIONAL THINKING THINKING
1.1 INTRODUCTION, OUTCOME AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1.2 WHAT IS COMPUTATIONAL THINKING?
1.3 THE PILLARS OF COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
1.4 CLOSING REMARKS
1.5 REFERENCES
1|P a g e
, 1.1 INTRODUCTION, OUTCOME AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
In the world of AIN3701 you will encounter emerging technologies of the 4th industrial revolution,
data analytics, dashboards, automation (including VBA programming) and cyber security. However,
before you explore this amazing world, you will first need to learn to think with a problem-solving
mindset. Therefore, we will kick off your studies of AIN3701 with computational thinking.
We will explore the definition of computational thinking, the pillars (or steps) of computational
thinking and, lastly, do a practical application using computational thinking.
The good news is that computational thinking can be used to solve everyday problems – not only to
solve problems with computers. I will give you a hint: you use computational thinking to brush your
teeth … �.
Next up, the definition of computational thinking.
1.2 WHAT IS COMPUTATIONAL THINKING?
Bitesize (2022) defines computational thinking as ‘the process of identifying a clear, defined, step-
by-step solution to a complex problem.’ This includes breaking down a problem into smaller pieces,
recognising problems and eliminating unnecessary details so that the step-by-step solution can be
replicated by humans and computers (Bitesize 2022).
When one looks at the definition, it is important to note that computational thinking is a problem-
solving mindset that can be used to solve complex problems. Another important observation is that
the solution can be implemented by both humans and machines, contrary to the popular thinking
that it can only be used by computers.
Next, we will look at the pillars of computational thinking.
2|P a g e
LEARNING UNIT 1:
COMPUTATIONAL
COMPUTATIONAL THINKING THINKING
1.1 INTRODUCTION, OUTCOME AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1.2 WHAT IS COMPUTATIONAL THINKING?
1.3 THE PILLARS OF COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
1.4 CLOSING REMARKS
1.5 REFERENCES
1|P a g e
, 1.1 INTRODUCTION, OUTCOME AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
In the world of AIN3701 you will encounter emerging technologies of the 4th industrial revolution,
data analytics, dashboards, automation (including VBA programming) and cyber security. However,
before you explore this amazing world, you will first need to learn to think with a problem-solving
mindset. Therefore, we will kick off your studies of AIN3701 with computational thinking.
We will explore the definition of computational thinking, the pillars (or steps) of computational
thinking and, lastly, do a practical application using computational thinking.
The good news is that computational thinking can be used to solve everyday problems – not only to
solve problems with computers. I will give you a hint: you use computational thinking to brush your
teeth … �.
Next up, the definition of computational thinking.
1.2 WHAT IS COMPUTATIONAL THINKING?
Bitesize (2022) defines computational thinking as ‘the process of identifying a clear, defined, step-
by-step solution to a complex problem.’ This includes breaking down a problem into smaller pieces,
recognising problems and eliminating unnecessary details so that the step-by-step solution can be
replicated by humans and computers (Bitesize 2022).
When one looks at the definition, it is important to note that computational thinking is a problem-
solving mindset that can be used to solve complex problems. Another important observation is that
the solution can be implemented by both humans and machines, contrary to the popular thinking
that it can only be used by computers.
Next, we will look at the pillars of computational thinking.
2|P a g e
