The Research Center for Educational Technology was recently awarded a grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation to support RCET’s project, Developing Computational Thinkers in Northeast Ohio Schools (Project NeoCT).
The term computational thinking refers to a set of diverse problem solving skills that develop as a result of studying the nature of computation and programming and include thought processes for logic, reasoning, and designing, innovative thinking. Many argue that computational thinking is a way of thinking that is critical in the twenty-first century and that it should be added to reading, writing, and mathematics as a core ability that every individual should develop (Wing, 2006). Project NeoCT seeks to create opportunities for K-12 students to develop computational thinking skills through discovery, creative activities and experimentation. Project activities will be implemented with K-12 teachers and students in RCET’s AT&T Classroom. A primary focus of the project is to provide training to pre-service and in-service teachers to develop knowledge, skills, and pedagogy necessary to teach computational thinking in their classrooms and lead the movement in their buildings.
Project NeoCT activities will be highlighted on the RCET-AT&T Classroom Blog. The NeoCT Project resource site hosts updates about new technologies, links to tutorials, special projects, curriculum ideas and lessons that can be shared with other K-12 teachers and schools to advance their STEM efforts toward teaching and learning for computational thinking.