Analysis of unplugged tools used for the development of computational thinking in the teaching of algorithms: a review of the literature

Abstract

The development of computational thinking has been frequently pointed out as an efficient way to stimulate learning using the fundamentals of computing. Most of the publications about this approach report successful experiences using the most diverse tools, materials, and techniques. This work highlights the unplugged techniques, which are characterized by using alternative materials to computers. This article presents a systematic literature review that aims to analyze unplugged tools in the educational context, focusing on the development of competencies related to computational thinking. In the analysis, a diversity of tools, systems, and approaches of unplugged computational thinking used to conduct the activities was found, and, despite the heterogeneity of the studies, it was possible to perceive some patterns.