No standards provided.

To earn this micro-credential you will process through the ADDIE learning model producing evidence that demonstrates your knowledge of applying computational thinking concepts in a K–12 classroom. Through the ADDIE learning model you will analyze standards, design/develop and implement a lesson, collect student work artifacts, and evaluate your professional practices.

There will be no fee assessed for reviewing this microcredential.

The Computational Thinking Micro-Credential is a stand-alone micro-credential designed to be completed by K–12 educators across all curriculums. It is also the first micro-credential to complete as part of the Wyoming Computer Science Teacher Master Distinction.

This micro-credential provides earners the opportunity to document their knowledge and skills in teaching computational thinking to students in grades K–12. The content provides resources to support understanding.

Earners are encouraged to participate in additional learning opportunities if more extensive learning is needed. Additional learning opportunities may include free online resources, postsecondary courses, and local courses.

The micro-credential structure offers earners flexible pathways and timelines. Earners can complete the micro-credentials in any order that aligns with their classroom timelines and availability. Micro-credentials offer earners the opportunity to submit evidence and receive evaluator feedback. Earners are encouraged to resubmit evidence until mastery is earned. Each resubmission will be reviewed and updated feedback will be provided.

Article – A Simple Way to Self-Monitor for Bias
https://www.edutopia.org/article/simple-way-self-monitor-bias?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT0RCaFl6UmxNREl4TkRFeSIsInQiOiJ5S0pMNWNncE1qWmZnNXlRK2c2XC8rSHA5NitFa25aYVNtNFpPYzR5YWpcL0lTQTJKSjdFMTM4V1NFODVLcmhwNXBiSFh5Y3NoRWloUnFRa203V2xtOXdvTjFaTmNGOVN2eWZYWGpwWmJcL0xkc

Teachers concerned that they might be showing bias against students in marginalized groups can use this short checklist for self-assessment.

Research – Applying Levels of Abstraction to Mathematics Word Problems
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vxl5ZNY3oAhmuky_d3xU-Ks8RvXRlZMq/view?usp=sharing

This paper can help teachers see how computational thinking can be applied to other curriculum areas.

Research – Computational Thinking Self-Efficacy Scale: Development, Validity and Reliability
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1212847.pdf

This paper can help teachers to understand why computational thinking is so important to creating a 21st century learner and the effect it can have on the whole student.

Tool – Computational Thinking in Elementary Classrooms: A Toolkit to Scaffold Teacher Learning
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8mYc6vaaxEQ6qJyUylk4T7wFnnsREo7/view

This toolkit is focused on the elementary classroom but has helpful tools and examples of how to apply computational thinking outside of computer science lessons/classes. It focuses on the same four computational thinking skills as those the micro-credential focuses on.

Research – Development of Computational Thinking Scale: Validity and Reliability Study
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1225502.pdf

This scale could be used in a secondary classroom to assess student ability in computational thinking.

Research – Computational Thinking for All: Pedagogical Approaches to Embedding 21st Century Problem Solving in K–12 Classrooms
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RE7P4b4OdJyI4e4OCzUp6izxi0Cv8FxX/view

This paper discusses the computational thinking strategies of abstraction, algorithms, and automation and how they relate to the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

Tool – CT Vocabulary and Progression Chart
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LUYJg1VqcBn4DHjSx2PChcxBKgrZPl1p/view

This chart shows the progression of decomposition and abstraction from prekindergarten to grade 12, with sample aligned activities. It can be helpful in designing an integrated computational thinking lesson.

Tool – CT4edu Toolkit
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Azu-jwZPeGd8c2edEjVAIqWEVbL3ey2/view

This is a great resource that teachers can use for simple definitions and ideas for activities to bring computational thinking into their general education classroom.

Lesson Plan – Integrating Computational Thinking
https://edtechbooks.org/k12handbook/computational_thinking

This is the perfect resource for a teacher who has no background experience with computational thinking. It is engaging with videos and quizzes to help teachers learn the basics.

Video – Infusing Computing Webseries
https://wiobyrne.github.io/infusing-computing-pod/index.html

A podcast with real teachers who are integrating computational thinking.

Webpage – CT4edu
http://ct4edu.org/

Website based on integrating computational thinking in K–5. It includes links to more computational thinking resources, a blog with lesson ideas, a lesson toolkit, and more.

Lesson Plan – Exploring Computational Thinking
https://edu.google.com/resources/programs/exploring-computational-thinking/#!ct-materials

Searchable Google collection of references, demonstrations, lesson plans, and explorations.

Lesson Plan – GoogleCT Lesson Search
https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/search#/site-search?pageNumber=1&keyword=GoogleCT&yearlevelbands=34

A library of K–12 lessons that integrate computational thinking.

Lesson Plan – Bitesize Computational Thinking Learning Guides
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z7tp34j

Defines each part of the computational thinking process and includes graphics, videos, and quizzes to help teachers build basic understanding in computational thinking.

Article – Early Learning Strategies for Developing Computational Thinking Skills
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2018/03/early-learning-strategies-for-developing-computational-thinking-skills/

This article defines the four parts of computational thinking and provides teachers with simple ways they can encourage computational thinking in their elementary classrooms.

Article – How to Develop Computational Thinkers
https://www.iste.org/explore/how-develop-computational-thinkers

This article can help teachers understand how to help develop their students ability to think computationally.

Micro-Credential Map By Grade Band
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E6pQDbFCQ42O1FUzQIakJS9CRKraHiORCXdUXmdcBCw/copy#gid=1114401374

The computer science standards are written in grade bands (K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12). The standard committee (CSSRC) determined the standard to be met by the end of each grade band. In grades 9-12, there are level 1 and level 2 standards. Level 1 standards include introductory skills. Level 2 standards are intended for students who wish to advance their study of computer science. The teacher or earner can choose which grade band and standard to focus their lesson on.

Standards – Wyoming Computer Science Content and Performance Standards
https://edu.wyoming.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2020-CS-WYCPS-with-all-PLDs-effective-04.07.21.pdf

Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) describe the performance expectations of students for each of the four (4) performance level categories: advanced, proficient, basic, and below basic. These are a description of what students within each performance level are expected to know and be able to do. All PLDs are found in this document.

01. PROFICIENCY SCALE – Computational Thinking
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17cqJRJ2bZZFme3DbCAHt9etGHWPTNXvXN_8KTXFCmAg/copy

Solve a problem using computational thinking. Define a problem by breaking it down into parts, evaluating the parts, and determining whether a computational solution is appropriate. Identify patterns and extract common features from specific examples to create generalizations. Use generalized solutions and parts of solutions designed for broad reuse. Iteratively test and refine an artifact.

Article – Computational Thinking Introduction
https://k12cs.org/computational-thinking/

Explains the basic concepts of computational thinking and integration into math and science topics.

Video – Computational Thinking: What Is It? How Is It Used?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbnTZCj0ugI&t=120s

This video is highly recommended and details what the computational thinking mindset is and how it relates to math. This video consists of a computational thinking activity to allow math teachers to get some ideas and inspiration. This video is beneficial for math teachers and provides teachers with pedagogical ideas to support them throughout the learning process via teaching computational thinking mindset. This video is beneficial in that it provides definitions of computational thinking concepts and helps facilitate teacher knowledge in relation to the material.

04. EVALUATE – Computational Thinking – Worksheet
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nxJY1KXK0X_6KGLwuymKdXwZXtyMPnETuWIWhTImHaY/copy?usp=sharing

Evaluate how effective your activities were at promoting student learning of the standards. Use specific examples from the artifacts you submitted in Implement and suggest any changes in practice or approach that you might make in the future based on your experience with this micro-credential.

03. DEVELOP – Computational Thinking
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZDkJ0wJWoqPTOoFVkQJUwdDeGVc1wK53pn7zs3jj7xM/copy

For this task, design or revise a lesson plan that integrates the application of one of the Computational Thinking concepts: DECOMPOSITION, ABSTRACTION, PATTERN RECOGNITION, or TESTING & DEBUGGING. You will find a universal design for learning lesson plan template in this resource as well.

Video – Unplugged Lesson in Action – Computational Thinking
https://youtu.be/b4a7Ty1TpKU

This brief video provides an overview and model for teachers who wish to deliver the Computer Science Fundamentals Unplugged activity, Computational Thinking.

Video – Best of Digital Literacy + Computational Thinking for Children
https://youtu.be/mUXo-S7gzds

This video explains each computational thinking concept and uses a real world example to show how we use computational thinking strategies everyday.

Video – Computational Thinking Algorithm Design
https://youtu.be/DHFeZNwtYAc

This video explains the computational thinking concept algorithm design as it applies to real life as well as to computer science principles.

Video – Computational Thinking Abstraction
https://youtu.be/iuNRij0pwmE

This video explains the computational thinking concept abstraction as it applies to real life as well as to computer science principles.

Video – Computational Thinking Pattern Recognition
https://youtu.be/SC30MuyK1-8

This video explains the computational thinking concept pattern recognition as it applies to real life as well as computer science principles.

Video – Computational Thinking Deconstruction
https://youtu.be/spvupc-GgnE

This video explains the computational thinking concept deconstruction as it applies to real life as well as to computer science principles.

Video – Computational Thinking: Decomposition
https://youtu.be/yQVTijX437c

This video introduces the concept and process of decomposition, the first step in computational thinking. Examples of decomposition are shown and resources for teaching decomposition skills in the classroom are introduced.

Video – What is Computational Thinking?
https://youtu.be/kdngEhA4I00

This video from Hello Ruby details what the computational thinking mindset is and how it relates to real-life examples and computers.

Sample Response – Completed Computational Thinking Micro-Credential
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nxcrh69qvhxwV3wHXIUqqxGk8pIRp8-E/view?usp=sharing

This is a sample completed computational thinking micro-credential.

Article – "Unwrapping" the Standards: A Simple Way to Deconstruct Learning Outcomes
https://corwin-connect.com/2015/03/unwrapping-the-standards-a-simple-way-to-deconstruct-learning-outcomes/

“Unwrapping” is a simple method that all teachers in all grade levels can use to deconstruct the wording of any standard in order to know its meaning inside and out.

02. ANALYZE – Curriculum Screener – CT in my Classroom
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q4tSooZQxnKfOeEWzd99zGoIdQYiQeliaGdb3coAr2E/copy

Use this worksheet for the analyze task.

Video Tutorial: Platform Navigation Tutorias
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hUZSMULBOzj-_CmIo2zuiZG2QziB40D_qBOXqAc5P5k/edit?usp=sharing

This is a list of videos that support navigation of the Midas platform. Including how to submit micro-credentials for review.

Video Tutorial: Best Practice in Google Drive Organization
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15WPbS__MRNpSGpEyTWWocd362qK6piZX/view?usp=sharing

This video provides best practices in Google Drive organization for the micro-credentials.

Computational Thinking Micro-credential Checklist
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1laxjZZ5i2_fm_BsQnmsl5RpFzdTI-hw40WDGUWmdcaA/copy

This checklist will help you review your submission materials to ensure you address everything that is expected for this micro-credential.

Canvas Course - Computational Thinking - Elementary
https://wde.catalog.instructure.com/browse/wde/courses/course-1-computational-thinking---elementary

This course is designed to support you in completing the Computational Thinking micro-credential. The course has just one module and will cover the following concepts: (1) Abstraction, (2) Algorithmic Thinking, (3) Decomposition, (4) Pattern Recognition, and (5) Testing and Debugging.