Introducing children to computational thinking: programming course

• Grant number: 16/11866-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2016
• End date: December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science - Computing Methodologies and Techniques
• Principal Investigator: Tiemi Christine Sakata
• Grantee: Letícia Mara Berto
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências em Gestão e Tecnologia (CCGT). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Children today were born in the digital age. Even before speaking, they learn to connect the phone to play games or choose their favorite video. But few people (even among adults) know how computers work. Computational thinking is a fundamental skill for everyone, not just for computer scientists. This study aims to evaluate a tool that will allow children to have their first contact with the fundamentals of computing through logical thinking and problem solving activities in a programming platform. It is important to point out that programming teaches vital problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills. Therefore, add computational thinking to children will improve their analytical abilities as reading, writing and arithmetic, which are very important in other areas of knowledge such as Portuguese, mathematics and science.