Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking
Have you ever heard that computers “think”? Believe it or not, computers really do not think. Instead, they do exactly what we tell them to do. Programming is, “telling the computer what to do and how to do it.“Before you can think about programming a computer, you need to work out exactly what it is you want to tell the computer to do. Thinking through problems this way is Computational Thinking. Computational Thinking allows us to take complex problems, understand what the problem is, and develop solutions. We can present these solutions in a way that both computers and people can understand.
The course includes an introduction to computational thinking and a broad definition of each concept, a series of real-world cases that illustrate how computational thinking can be used to solve complex problems, and a student project that asks you to apply what they are learning about Computational Thinking in a real-world situation. This project will be completed in stages (and milestones) and will also include a final disaster response plan you’ll share with other learners like you.
This course is designed for anyone who is just beginning programming, is thinking about programming or simply wants to understand a new way of thinking about problems critically. No prior programming is needed. The examples in this course may feel particularly relevant to a High School audience and were designed to be understandable by anyone.
You will learn:
-To define Computational Thinking components including abstraction, problem identification, decomposition, pattern recognition, algorithms, and evaluating solutions
-To recognize Computational Thinking concepts in practice through a series of real-world case examples
-To develop solutions through the application of Computational Thinking concepts to real world problems
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Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Foundations of Computational Thinking
Week 2
Case Study: Airport Surveillance and Image Analysis
Week 3
Case Study: Epidemiology
Week 4
Case Study: Human Trafficking
Week 5
Final Project
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Reviews
Overall course content is excellent. Assignments, Quizzes are all very good. Sound is not loud enough in the videos though. Forum is also very nice. Instructors are also fine.
A great course to start off with a basic understanding of Computational thinking. Very good instructors. The final assignment could be a litlle more elaborate in my opinion.
The course was a challenging and rigorous in nature. Scope oriented and prompt actionable thinking skills and logical design in solving real life problems
Excellent course! It was very challenging, as well as, thought provoking and compelling. You will learn to solve problems using computational thinking.
