Welcome

From Computing to Computational Thinking
by Paul S. Wang (王士弘)
Chapman & Hall
CRC Press, Florida, USA
October 5, 2015
ISBN–10: 1482217651
ISBN–13: 978-1-4822-1765-0
288 pages

Concepts, techniques, and analytical abilities from the field of computing can make anyone more efficient in the information age. Furthermore, their understanding can give us powerful mental tools in general for solving problems, performing tasks, planing, working with others, anticipating problems, troubleshooting, and more. We refer to this mental tool set as Computational Thinking (CT).

Definition: computize, verb. To apply computational thinking. To view, consider, analyze, design, plan, work, and solve problems from a computational perspective.

The textbook help readers acquire computational thinking through an understanding of modern computer technologies. Neither programming background nor learning how to program is required, only a sense of curiosity and an open mind.

Reading this book can also be an excellent way to prepare someone to pursue a rewarding career in computing or information technology. The materials are as much about computing as about sharpening the mind.

With an end user viewpoint, topics are presented in an interesting and thought-provoking way, keeping the reader engaged and motivated to continue.

Features

Explains computing from an end-user viewpoint, highlights particular CT concepts and illustrates how to apply CT to solve problems
Applies core CT concepts to common real-life situations, making the book readable, relevant, and practical
Includes engaging illustrations and diagrams to demonstrate concepts
Presents real problems from different fields where CT can be applied to find solutions
Requires no programming background, uses pseudocode to illustrate procedures and algorithms, makes interactive demos and other resources available on the accompanying website computize.org

Content Highlights

Why Does the Chicken Cross the Road?—Entering the land of digital computing
Bits, Bytes, and Words—Computer memory and digital data
True Or False—Electronic circuits and digital logic
Who Is the Master?—The operating system
Hello There!—Networking
Home Sweet Homepage :-)—The World Wide Web
Keeping It Safe—Security and data encryption
Solve That Problem—Problem solving skills
Data Everywhere—Data representation, structure, and compression
Get That App—Understanding application programs

Check It Out

AroundKent Magazine article Computational Thinking—An Overview, Vol 13, March 2017

Preface and Table of Contents

Hands-on Demos

Lecture Notes for Instructors

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