Approach to a definition of computational thinking

Abstract

The aim of this research revolves around a term that has become popular over the years and whose origins took place from the technical perspective of computer science in order to automate information or the production of systems. However, nowadays it is widely used by many professionals from several areas and groups that are interested in understanding and adopting a different way of thinking and assuming life situations. This concept is called Computational Thinking. This research pursues the objective of contributing to the construction of a definition on computational thinking, as well as to the use of this term for educational purposes. The research is descriptive with a documentary design, based on the review of literature related to the subject, in order to properly specify how computational thinking is seen as an option for the representation, acquisition of knowledge and attention to problems, from the viewpoint of experts as ISTE & CSTA (2011), Papert (1980), García-Peñalvo (2016), Wing (2006), among others. It was found that a definition by consensus of computational thinking has been the subject of constant debate within the scientific community, and one of the best options surrounding this kind of thinking is its incorporation into the mandatory school curriculum, from early stages or levels of the educational system, in order to enhance the children’s analytical skills through the application of computer principles.