Computational Thinking: Definition, Benefits and Applications

Have you ever heard of the term computational thinking? Computational thinking is a skill that is needed in various fields, be it in the world of business, technology, or education.

In an increasingly digital era, the ability to solve problems using principles related to computer programming is becoming increasingly important. But in fact, there are still many people who don’t know about this skill. Therefore, this time Hosteko will explain in detail what computational thinking is, what are the benefits and how to apply it. Check out the explanation!

Definition of Computational Thinking

computational thinking is the ability to solve problems by applying computational science. This problem solving ability allows you to analyze complex problems, understand what the problem is, and determine the right solution.

With computational thinking, you can break down a problem into effective parts or stages. So as to produce the right solution and can be understood either by computers, humans, or both. In concept, there are four main pillars of computational thinking, each of which has its own purpose.

Why Need to Study Computational Thinking?

Following are some points that explain why we need to study computational thinking and why it is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital era:

• Improve the ability to solve problems effectively and efficiently.
• Develop the ability to think systematically and critically.
• Strengthen the ability to identify and solve complex problems.
• Improve the ability to understand algorithms and data structures.
• Broaden horizons in various disciplines, such as mathematics, social sciences, and science.
• Helping someone to be more creative and innovative in finding solutions.
• Become a major requirement in participating optimally in the world of computing.
• Can help improve the ability to think logically and critically.
• Providing benefits in various fields, such as technology, business, and education.
• Improve the ability to adapt to changes in technology and prepare for a future that is increasingly dependent on technology.

By studying computational thinking, one can develop much-needed skills in many fields.

Therefore, why do we need to study computational thinking? Because, this is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital era and in the future which is increasingly integrated with technology.

Pillars in Computational Thinking

Computational thinking has four pillars or important stages that need to be known, including the following:

• Decomposition (decomposition)

Decomposition is breaking a complex problem into small and simple parts. So, we can find problems that occur by solving them one by one.

• Pattern recognition (pattern recognition)

At this stage it is asked to recognize patterns by looking for similarities that exist between these problems.

Some of the things done at the abstraction stage include looking at problems, generalizing, and identifying information. In this way, we can see important information and ignore information that is less relevant.

This is the stage when we develop the system, listing instructions and troubleshooting steps effectively and efficiently.

The four pillars of computational thinking are generally applied to computer programs. However, computational thinking is not only about computing.

Benefits of Computational Thinking

Computational thinking does more than just help you break down problems into simpler ones and find effective solutions. Besides that, there are other benefits that you can get if you have computational thinking skills. Among them are as follows:

• Encourages effective problem solving skills.
• Helps train creativity.
• Form a logical and structured mindset.
• Work becomes more professional and efficient.

Those are some of the benefits if you have the ability to think computationally. The next thing you need to know is the application of these skills.

Example of Application of Computational Thinking

After knowing what the benefits of computational thinking are, then there are steps you need to take when dealing with problems.

You need to know, that computational thinking skills can be applied to all industrial sectors, not just limited to jobs related to computer programming.

Therefore, understand the steps that you must apply below:

1. Detail the problem

The first step when facing a problem is to analyze the problem. Then, do the description of the problem correctly and precisely. Finally set the solution criteria of the problem.

Analysis and elaboration can be done by dividing complex problems into small problems so that they are easier to manage and analyze. After that you can make several hypotheses regarding the elaboration of possible solutions to the problem.

2. Think systematically

If you have detailed the problem and grouped it according to specifications, the next step is to think systematically to find the right algorithm. After the first step is done, you need to find the right algorithm. Algorithms here can be interpreted as appropriate steps to solve problems based on data.

3. Implementation, solution, and evaluation

The final step, make an actual solution and evaluate it systematically to test the truth of your hypothesis. Then, evaluate and modify the hypothesis, until it no longer requires modification. In this step, you can also see if your solution can be generalized with the automation process

Those are some applications of computational thinking, if summarized more simply as follows:

1. Analyze the problem and break it down into smaller parts.
2. From this analysis take the hypothesis.
3. Make predictions from the results of the hypothesis.
4. Test predictions and modify the hypothesis until the hypothesis really doesn’t need to be modified anymore.

Advantages of Computational Thinking

Computational thinking is the ability to solve problems and process information in a structured, logical, and systematic way.

There are many advantages of computational thinking, some of which are discussed in the explanation below:

1. Improve problem solving ability

By using computational thinking, one can identify problems more effectively and develop strategies to solve problems in a systematic manner.

This can help improve problem-solving skills and make a person more productive.

2. Improve analytical ability

The next advantage of computational thinking is that it can help improve one’s ability to analyze data and information systematically.

With this ability, one can make better and smarter decisions.

3. Increase creativity

One of the advantages of computational thinking is that it increases creativity. The ability to solve problems and come up with new solutions can help increase creativity and innovation.

4. Improve abstract thinking skills

Computational thinking can help one understand complex concepts better and think abstractly.

This can help improve one’s ability to solve difficult problems.

5. Improve collaboration capabilities

Computational thinking can help someone in working collaboratively. The ability to think systematically and identify problems quickly can help in making better decisions and collaborating with others.