Equipping the next generation for a digitally transformed world
The development of computational thinking skills in primary schools is aimed at preparing students for the workplaces of the future
In the coming years, the shift towards fully digitalised work environments is likely to lead to problems not yet even imagined.T his means the knowledge that children are being taught in schools today will directly affect their ability to find new solutions to those future problems once they enter the workforce.
The ability to think in a structured and logical manner using computational thinking is considered an essential skill for the 21st century. Computational thinking involves solving problems, designing systems and understanding human behaviour by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science.
Before 2016, primary schools in Hong Kong didn’t pay much attention to computational thinking education due to limited resources, says Yeung Wai-yin, a former principal of PLK Dr Jimmy Wong Chi-ho (Tin Sum Valley) Primary School, who chaired the Ad Hoc Committee for Reviewing the “Computational Thinking – Coding Education: Supplement to the Primary School Curriculum” document published by the Education Bureau.
But now, computational thinking is being widely seen as an important direction for primary-level education in Hong Kong – the result of government policy to allocate more resources on computational thinking education, and partly because of efforts by CoolThink@JC to promote it and develop an effective curriculum, Yeung says.
CoolThink@JC is a computational thinking programme created and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, which prepares students for a digital future by providing them with lessons in computational thinking.
According to a study by SRI International, a leading US-based educational research institute, students in the CoolThink@JC pilot had gained 2.1 times as much progress as students in comparison schools when it came to computational thinking practices such as problem-solving and logical thinking skills. “Computers and information technology are
transforming our world, and understanding this change has become an essential skill in order to function effectively in society,” says Professor Harold Abelson, a partner of CoolThink@JC who is with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“Computational thinking – the ability to formulate problems in terms that could be carried out on computers – is fundamental to this skill. It should be part of education for everyone, even for primary-aged schoolchildren.”
Since 2017, the Education Bureau has recommended that schools implement coding education at the upper primary level, and also that teachers undergo professional development in computational thinking to facilitate learning.
“Adaptations to teaching methods and learning materials are necessary, so one practical challenge is not having enough trained teachers,” Yeung says. “CoolThink@JC enabled us to have an effective curriculum in place that we could use, but still leave room for flexibility.”
The CoolThink@JC initiative empowers students to become thinkers and creators of technology by following four steps: to play, to think, to code and to reflect.
The programme has supported 131 schools and 810 teachers since its inception in 2016. By 2024, it is estimated that the programme will have reached 100,000 students.
“Every year, we witness students discovering their digital creativity in computational thinking competitions, and others rekindling a passion for learning,” Yeung says.
CoolThink@JC also provides comprehensive support to schools requiring professional assistance in areas including materials, teacher training and equipment.
“Schools no longer feel like they’re fighting the battle alone.Teachers and schools have benefited tremendously with this level of backup from CoolThink@JC,” Yeung says.
“The introduction of computational thinking is an important development in local primary school education.” Yeung Wai-yin Former primary school principal
“Computational thinking helps develop essential problem-solving skills for the future.” Professor Harold Abelson Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a partner of CoolThink@JC