Computational Thinking for Educators

The Graduate Certificate in Computational Thinking for Educators is designed to prepare educators to integrate computational thinking skills across content areas, and develop effective pedagogical content knowledge and strategies to apply computational thinking in their environments. Domains include computational thinking, problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, algorithmic thinking, and programming. Learner outcomes include exploring pedagogical approaches to integrate and promote computational thinking concepts and skills, and understanding the cultural and contextual implications on learning.

The objectives of the Certificate in Computational Thinking for Educators draw from the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) Computational Thinking Competencies. The ISTE standards are pedagogy-focused frameworks for innovation in education through redesigning learning activities with educational technology to engage learners in authentic and active learning. The collection of ISTE standards frame the work across all of the Educational Technology Graduate Programs.

• Educators improve and expand practice through the development of an understanding of the core concepts of computational thinking
• Educators facilitate learning environments in which computational thinking practices are integrated across applicable content areas
• Educators explore appropriate pedagogical strategies to integrate computational thinking using multiple and effective instructional strategies
• Educators promote knowledge of computational thinking through designing, developing, and implementing activities to support learner growth in creative and innovative thinking in problem solving
• Educators understand the impact of equity and access of computational thinking and computing resources and practices in a global society

The primary objective of this certificate is to prepare educators and related persons in Pre-K – 12 educational environments to integrate and apply computational thinking education skills. To achieve this, graduates earning this certificate will have an understanding of:

1. The foundational content knowledge of computational thinking
2. Effective pedagogical knowledge and strategies in integrating and teaching computational thinking to learners inclusive of Pre-K – 12 students, and other educators
3. Cultural and contextual implications on student learning, including but not limited to, groups who are historically underrepresented in the field.

NOTE: If you are an international student who is interested in pursuing any of our graduate certificate programs, please contact Katy Blackmer BEFORE applying.