Through examples and analogies, Computational Thinking for the Modern Problem Solver introduces computational thinking as part of an introductory computing course and shows how computer science concepts are applicable to other fields. It keeps the material accessible and relevant to noncomputer science majors. With numerous color figures, this classroom-tested book focuses on both foundational computer science concepts and engineering topics. It covers abstraction, algorithms, logic, graph theory, social issues of software, and numeric modeling as well as execution control, problem-solving strategies, testing, and data encoding and organizing. The text also discusses fundamental concepts of programming, including variables and assignment, sequential execution, selection, repetition, control abstraction, data organization, and concurrency. The authors present the algorithms using language-independent notation.

Computational Thinking (CT) involves fundamental concepts and reasoning, distilled from computer science and other computational sciences, which become powerful general mental tools for solving problems, increasing efficiency, reducing complexity, designing procedures, or interacting with humans and machines. An easy-to-understand guidebook, From Computing to Computational Thinking gives you the tools for understanding and using CT. It does not assume experience or knowledge of programming or of a programming language, but explains concepts and methods for CT with clarity and depth. Successful applications in diverse disciplines have shown the power of CT in problem solving. The book uses puzzles, games, and everyday examples as starting points for discussion and for connecting abstract thinking patterns to real-life situations. It provides an interesting and thought-provoking way to gain general knowledge about modern computing and the concepts and thinking processes underlying modern digital technologies.

A topic important to pre-university as well as to university curricula for computing and various other disciplines, computational thinking examines processes in the mind engaged in addressing problems such that answers/solutions can be formulated as computational increments and then, algorithms. This revised and updated textbook/guide offers a gentle motivation and introduction to computational thinking, in particular to algorithms and how they can be coded to solve significant, topical real problems from domains such as finance, cryptography, web search, data compression and bioinformatics. Although the work assumes only basic mathematical knowledge, it still upholds the scientific rigor indispensable for transforming general ideas into executable algorithms, giving several solutions to common tasks, taken from topics of our everyday world. Topics and features: Provides a readily accessible introduction, suitable for undergraduate and high-school students, as well as for self-study Organizes content neatly and conveniently by application or problem area Offers a helpful supporting website with Python code that implements the algorithms in the book Anchors the content practically, examining an excellent variety of modern topics in a concise volume Assumes knowledge of only basic computing skills as a prerequisite Written by highly experienced lecturers, as well as researchers of world renown A unique and reader-friendly textbook/reference, the title is eminently suitable for undergraduate students in computer science, engineering, and applied mathematics, university students in other fields, high-school students with an interest in STEM subjects, and professionals who want an insight into algorithmic solutions and the related mindset. Paolo Ferragina is professor of computer science at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Italy, and Fabrizio Luccio is an emeritus professor of computer science at the University of Pisa, Italy.

Teaching can be intimidating for beginning faculty. Some graduate schools and some computing faculty provide guidance and mentoring, but many do not. Often, a new faculty member is assigned to teach a course, with little guidance, input, or feedback. Teaching Computing: A Practitioner’s Perspective addresses such challenges by providing a solid resource for both new and experienced computing faculty. The book serves as a practical, easy-to-use resource, covering a wide range of topics in a collection of focused down-to-earth chapters. Based on the authors’ extensive teaching experience and his teaching-oriented columns that span 20 years, and informed by computing-education research, the book provides numerous elements that are designed to connect with teaching practitioners, including: A wide range of teaching topics and basic elements of teaching, including tips and techniques Practical tone; the book serves as a down-to-earth practitioners’ guide Short, focused chapters Coherent and convenient organization Mix of general educational perspectives and computing-specific elements Connections between teaching in general and teaching computing Both historical and contemporary perspectives This book presents practical approaches, tips, and techniques that provide a strong starting place for new computing faculty and perspectives for reflection by seasoned faculty wishing to freshen their own teaching.

Report of a Workshop on the Scope and Nature of Computational Thinking presents a number of perspectives on the definition and applicability of computational thinking. For example, one idea expressed during the workshop is that computational thinking is a fundamental analytical skill that everyone can use to help solve problems, design systems, and understand human behavior, making it useful in a number of fields. Supporters of this viewpoint believe that computational thinking is comparable to the linguistic, mathematical and logical reasoning taught to all children. Various efforts have been made to introduce K-12 students to the most basic and essential computational concepts and college curricula have tried to provide a basis for life-long learning of increasingly new and advanced computational concepts and technologies. At both ends of this spectrum, however, most efforts have not focused on fundamental concepts. The book discusses what some of those fundamental concepts might be. Report of a Workshop on the Scope and Nature of Computational Thinking explores the idea that as the use of computational devices is becoming increasingly widespread, computational thinking skills should be promulgated more broadly. The book is an excellent resource for professionals in a wide range of fields including educators and scientists.

This This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license.This book offers a comprehensive guide, covering every important aspect of computational thinking education. It provides an in-depth discussion of computational thinking, including the notion of perceiving computational thinking practices as ways of mapping models from the abstraction of data and process structures to natural phenomena. Further, it explores how computational thinking education is implemented in different regions, and how computational thinking is being integrated into subject learning in K-12 education. In closing, it discusses computational thinking from the perspective of STEM education, the use of video games to teach computational thinking, and how computational thinking is helping to transform the quality of the workforce in the textile and apparel industry.

Computational thinking (CT) is a timeless, transferable skill that enables you to think more clearly and logically, as well as a way to solve specific problems. With this book you'll learn to apply computational thinking in the context of software development to give you a head start on the road to becoming an experienced and effective programmer.