Teaching Computational Thinking Unplugged

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the “unplugged” approach for teaching computational thinking (CT), that is, teaching without the use of computers or digital equipment. After a short discussion of the different definitions of CT, the chapter presents the most well-known tools and methodologies of unplugged philosophy, with a connection to CT concepts. The chapter also summarizes the main advantages of the unplugged approach to CT education and furthermore, the most important design principles of unplugged, kinaesthetic activities. A separate section is dedicated to blended approaches of plugged and unplugged activities and the evaluation of unplugged approaches. While more large-scale implementations are still required to fully evaluate the benefits of unplugged approaches to CT education, existing studies report positive findings, especially in relation to the use of unplugged approaches for CT education. The majority of these resources are available for use by educators free of charge on the internet, which makes them very useful as a CT teaching approach.