Title: Computational Thinking in Patch,
Abstract: With the future likely to see even more pervasive computation, computational
thinking (problem-solving skills incorporating computing knowledge) is now
being recognized as a fundamental skill needed by all students. Computational
thinking is conceptualizing as opposed to programming, promotes natural human
thinking style than algorithmic reasoning, complements and combines
mathematical and engineering thinking, and it emphasizes ideas, not artifacts.
In this paper, we outline a new visual language, called Patch, using which
students are able to express their solutions to eScience computational problems
in abstract visual tools. Patch is closer to high level procedural languages
such as C++ or Java than Scratch or Snap! but similar to them in ease of use
and combines simplicity and expressive power in one single platform.