Flowcharts: A tool for computational thinking

Abstract

New curricula in UK, US and Australia aim to introduce computational thinking into every school. Computational Thinking (CT) teaches how to solve problems by borrowing techniques used in computer science to design programs: problem decomposition, pattern recognition, pattern generalization to define abstractions or models and algorithm design. An algorithm is a sequence of steps, decisions and repetitions to complete a task. A common approach to introduce CT and algorithms is by exposing primary students to visual programs such as Scratch or Kodu. These tools are engaging and they successfully teach students to develop simple algorithms. However, not all primary school teachers are familiar with them, and they may have constraints both in the access to school computers and the lack of time to upskill. Thus, we propose to support/complement visual programming with flowcharts, as they use plain English, require only pen and paper and can be applied to multiple subjects of the primary school curriculum. Flowcharts are a good introduction to CT, as you could start with simple step-by-step procedures, and gradually introduce decisions, branches and repetition. In this paper we will review ways to incorporate CT with flowcharts into the primary school curriculum that is aligned with the ACARA Digital Technologies curriculum's content descriptions for algorithms at years F-6.