Computational Thinking “In Action” in America’s Workplaces

• In Event: Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: Knowledge in Professional Development

Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) is a key ingredient in technology-enabled discovery and innovation. Yet a coherent definition of CT has yet to emerge from among different communities of practice. Computational Thinking in America’s Workplace, funded by the NSF, sought to address this issue by exploring CT as a foundational skill for STEM professionals and developing a Job Task Analysis that describes the ways scientists and engineers use CT as they carry out routine tasks and solve problems associated with their work. This session will present the workforce development research strategies employed, their resulting Job Task Analysis and a series of examples of how STEM professionals use CT.

Authors

• Joyce Malyn-Smith, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Irene Lee, Santa Fe Institute

• Joe Ippolito, Education Development Center, Inc.