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Enhancing Computational Thinking with Spreadsheet and Fractal Geometry: Part 1

Publication Type : Journal Article

Thematic Areas : Center for Computational Engineering and Networking (CEN)

Publisher : International Journal of Computer Applications

Source : International Journal of Computer Applications, Foundation of Computer Science, Volume 55, Number 14, New York, USA, p.1-8 (2012)

Url : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258652649_Enhancing_Computational_Thinking_with_Spreadsheet_and_Fractal_Geometry_Part_1

Campus : Coimbatore

School : School of Engineering

Center : Computational Engineering and Networking

Department : Computer Science, Electronics and Communication

Verified : Yes

Year : 2012

Abstract : For most primary and high school level students, computer is a game-playing tool. They might have taught word processing and PowerPoint presentation tool and very basic spreadsheet usage for computing, but, one of the essential skill required for survival in modern technological society is “Computational thinking ” that combines power of human intelligence and computing agents for solving complex problems facing the society. It is found that this skill is not imparted to the primary and high school level students. In this context, the concept of computational thinking, its need and the attempts that are being made world over to impart this skill at various levels of education is discussed in the part-1 (out of four) of this article. It is proposed that concept of fractal and its implementation in spreadsheet can be one of the starting points at high school level to induce students into computational thinking. Also it is shown how to create various kinds of fractals in spreadsheets without using any programming. Different fractals require different computational strategies to implement in a spreadsheet. It is hypothesized that practice in the development of such strategies improve the ‘abstraction ’ and computational thinking capabilities of the students.

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Soman K. P., Sowmya, V., Krishnan, P., and V.G, M. Unni, “Enhancing Computational Thinking with Spreadsheet and Fractal Geometry: Part 1”, International Journal of Computer Applications, vol. 55, pp. 1-8, 2012.

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