Explore

Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking

Approx. 11 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of computational thinking and how to apply them to solve real-world problems. It covers topics such as algorithms, abstraction, and problem decomposition.

Key Learning Points

Learn how to apply computational thinking to solve real-world problems
Understand the fundamental concepts of algorithms, abstraction, and problem decomposition
Get hands-on experience with Python programming language

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

- USA: $86,000
- India: ₹6,65,000
- Spain: €32,000
- USA: $86,000
- India: ₹6,65,000
- Spain: €32,000
- USA: $62,000
- India: ₹4,50,000
- Spain: €25,000
- USA: $86,000
- India: ₹6,65,000
- Spain: €32,000
- USA: $62,000
- India: ₹4,50,000
- Spain: €25,000
- USA: $95,000
- India: ₹15,00,000
- Spain: €48,000

Learning Outcomes

Apply computational thinking to solve real-world problems
Develop algorithms to solve problems
Create Python programs to implement algorithms

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of programming
Access to a computer with internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Self-paced
Online
Video lectures
Hands-on programming assignments

Similar Courses

Introduction to Programming in Java
Python for Everybody

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Avanessians Director of the Data Science Institute, Columbia University
Director of Research, Google

Related Books

Description

Have you ever heard that computers "think"? Believe it or not, computers really do not think. Instead, they do exactly what we tell them to do. Programming is, "telling the computer what to do and how to do it."

Before you can think about programming a computer, you need to work out exactly what it is you want to tell the computer to do. Thinking through problems this way is Computational Thinking. Computational Thinking allows us to take complex problems, understand what the problem is, and develop solutions. We can present these solutions in a way that both computers and people can understand. The course includes an introduction to computational thinking and a broad definition of each concept, a series of real-world cases that illustrate how computational thinking can be used to solve complex problems, and a student project that asks you to apply what they are learning about Computational Thinking in a real-world situation. This project will be completed in stages (and milestones) and will also include a final disaster response plan you'll share with other learners like you. This course is designed for anyone who is just beginning programming, is thinking about programming or simply wants to understand a new way of thinking about problems critically. No prior programming is needed. The examples in this course may feel particularly relevant to a High School audience and were designed to be understandable by anyone. You will learn: -To define Computational Thinking components including abstraction, problem identification, decomposition, pattern recognition, algorithms, and evaluating solutions -To recognize Computational Thinking concepts in practice through a series of real-world case examples -To develop solutions through the application of Computational Thinking concepts to real world problems

Outline

Foundations of Computational Thinking
Welcome to Computational Thinking
Example: Making a Cake
Introduction to the Graphic Organizer
Welcome and Syllabus
Help Us Learn More about You!
Contributor Acknowledgements
Introduction to the Graphic Organizer
Foundations of Computational Thinking Practice Questions
Foundations of Computational Thinking Quiz

Case Study: Airport Surveillance and Image Analysis
Image Analysis: Importance of Computational Thinking - Part 1
Image Analysis: Importance of Computational Thinking - Part 2
Image Analysis: Abstraction and Algorithms
Image Analysis: Algorithms, Optional Advanced Video
Image Analysis: Evaluating Solutions
Image Analysis: Problem Identification and Decomposition
Introduction to Airport Surveillance Case-Study
Airport Surveillance Case-Study Check-In 1
Airport Surveillance Check-In 2
Airport Surveillance Practice Questions Set 1
Airport Surveillance Practice Questions Set 2
Airport Surveillance Case-Study Quiz

Case Study: Epidemiology
Epidemiology: Introduction and Problem Identification
Epidemiology: Problem Identification Part 2
Epidemiology: Abstraction and Decomposition
Epidemiology: Algorithms and Evaluating Solutions - Part 1
Epidemiology: Algorithms and Evaluating Solutions - Part 2
Epidemiology: Conclusion
Introduction to Epidemiology Case-Study
Epidemiology Case-Study Check-In 1
Up Next: Rafael's Algorithm
Epidemiology Case-Study Check-In 2
Epidemiology Practice Questions
Epidemiology Case-Study Quiz

Case Study: Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking: Importance of Computational Thinking
Human Trafficking: How Computational Thinking May Apply - Part 1
Human Trafficking: How Computational Thinking May Apply - Part 2
Introduction to Human Trafficking Case-Study
Human Trafficking Case-Study Check-In
Next Case: Potential Applications of Computational Thinking to Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking Practice Questions

Final Project
Introduction to the Final Project
Final Project Part 1. Background and Context
Final Project Part 2: Graphic Organizer and Project Justification
Final Project Part 3: Project Justification
Final Project Part 4: Algorithm depiction
Course Feedback
Keep Learning with Michigan Online

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the comprehensive thinking process and develop your analytical skills with this course on Coursera. Students have found this course extremely useful and have given it high ratings. Many users appreciated the practicality of the course and its applicability in real-world scenarios.

Pros from User Reviews

Great course for developing analytical skills
Practical and applicable in real-world scenarios
Engaging and interactive course materials
Well-structured and easy to follow
Instructors are knowledgeable and provide helpful feedback

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course content to be too basic
Limited interaction with instructors and other students
Some technical issues with the online platform
Some users found the course to be too time-consuming
Not suitable for those looking for a more advanced course

Recommended for you

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt for Service Industry Professionals

Black Belt course exclusively designed for professionals who work in service industries (any non-manufacturing industry) Lean Six Sigma Certification is undoubtedly in demand....

Save Course

Scratch: Programming for Teachers

Learn the basics of programming and how to teach it in a playful, interactive way. Introduce yourself to the didactics of programming in primary and secondary education....

Save Course

Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Sequences and Loops

How do we give instructions to a computer? Isn't programming hard? This class teaches the first key concepts of programming -- sequences of instructions and basic counted repetition of instructions....

Save Course

Evaluating Problems

The second course of the specialization EVALUATING PROBLEMS will show you how humans think and how to utilize different disciplinary approaches to tackle problems more effectively....

Save Course