August 20, 2016
This week, we continue on our quest to answer questions that will lead to an integrated mathematics / computational thinking curriculum. Last week, we looked at how to create computational thinking learning goals and tie those to grade levels. A complementary approach is to imagine how we might create activities that align to particular grade levels. This week, we’re looking at one type of connection between mathematics and computer science via programming activities. While programming is not the only type of activity that can support computational thinking, it is an important, concrete venue in which to apply computational thinking skills.
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August 11, 2016
Last week, we described why we are simultaneously taking three approaches to develop learning trajectories. Today, we’ll tell you about the approach that puts computational thinking (CT) in the driver’s seat.
To develop this approach, we started with two fundamental questions:
- What do we know about computational thinking and how it might be developed in elementary school students?
- How do we best leverage what we know to construct a learning trajectory?
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August 04, 2016
The overall goal of the LTEC project is relatively simple: to develop and test learning trajectories (LTs) for integrated mathematics and computational thinking in elementary school. Yet the easy statement of our goal belies its difficulty. Many questions come to mind immediately. How many trajectories will we need to create? Can computational thinking (CT) be integrated with all mathematics understandings, skills, and practices? If not, which ones are the best candidates? Conversely, can all aspects of CT be addressed via integration with mathematics? How do we strike a balance between taking advantage of the similarities between CT and mathematical problem-solving and giving them their due as separate skill sets?
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July 28, 2016
NCTM has released a position statement on Computer Science and Mathematics Education, in answer to the question: “Should mathematics course requirements for high school graduation be satisfied by computer science courses?” Here’s our position on their position.
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