Developing Future Computational Thinking in Foundational CS Education: A Case Study From a Liberal Education University in India

Abstract

This paper proposes a new theoretical model with a goal to develop future human computationalthinking in the foundational Computer Science (CS) education. The model blends six critical types of thinking i.e. logical thinking, systems thinking, sustainable thinking, strategic thinking, creative thinking and responsible thinking into the design of a first year undergraduate programming course. The study describes a creative blended pedagogy that embeds the proposed model into the course plan.Background: The emergence of artificial intelligent systems such as large language models from a knowledge provider perspective, coupled with a gradual change in post-pandemic outlook of education challenge the relevance and raises concerns about the future of education. The 21st-century human computational-thinking requirements viz. learning to code (skill), and thinking computationally (competency) will be inadequate in the future. Moreover, there is substantial evidence which shows that most introductory programming courses fail to integrate critical elements like ethics and responsibility as part of the course.Intended outcomes: The authors anticipate experiential learning models such as this has immense potential to future-proof CS education, as well as make future software engineers responsible citizens.Application design: The proposed model blends the six types of thinking into the design and activities in the course. The underlying theoretical basis of these activities revolve around three key principles -Experiential learning, Self-Reflection, and Peer learning.Findings: This case study from a liberal educational institution in India has qualitatively shown several evidences favouring student's developing six critical elements of thinking that shapes their future computational-thinking ability.