Computational Thinking: Essential Tips & Learning Resources to Master Algorithms 

by Kelsey Arrington on Mar 03, 2023

Algorithms are a fundamental concept in computer science and in creative fields alike. Everyone from digital artists, game designers, and architects to software programmers, interaction designers, and data analysts rely on algorithms to succeed in their work. So, it makes sense that more and more people want to learn about algorithms and how they can make workflows more efficient. Well, if you’re one of those people, you’re in luck! This article reviews the importance of computational thinking and provides resources for you to learn more about algorithms. Keep reading. 

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The Importance of Computational Thinking

“Computational thinking is a fundamental skill for everyone, not just for computer scientists…Computational thinking is reformulating a seemingly difficult problem into one we know how to solve, perhaps by reduction, embedding, transformation, or simulation. [It] is thinking recursively. It is parallel processing. It is interpreting code as data and data as code.” 

– Jeannette Wing, Executive Vice President for Research and Professor of Computer Science at Columbia University

In today’s tech-saturated world, there is no doubt that computational thinking is a skill that all professionals should strive to hone. At its core, computational thinking is a method of solving problems that involves reducing complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts and using algorithms or logical reasoning to solve those problems. 

This way of thinking involves elements of mathematics, computer science, and engineering to arrive at solutions in a systematic and efficient way. 

Computational thinking involves several key skills, including:

  1. Decomposition: The process of breaking a complex problem down into smaller, more manageable parts.
  2. Pattern recognition: The process of identifying patterns and relationships among different parts of a problem.
  3. Abstraction: The act of ignoring irrelevant details and focusing on essential information.
  4. Algorithmic thinking: The process of creating step-by-step instructions to solve a problem.

While computational thinking is integral to computer science, it is not limited to programming. It can be applied to various fields, including social sciences, engineering, mathematics, economics, and design. And in the digital age, computational thinking skills are increasingly important because they enable folks to process large amounts of data, solve complicated problems, and develop creative solutions to challenges.

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Benefits of Honing Computational Thinking Skills

There is no doubt that computational thinking is important. Here are some reasons why:

  1. Problem-solving: Computational thinking provides a strategic approach to problem-solving that can be applied to a wide range of situations.
  2. Data analysis: Algorithms empower people to make sense of large data sets and extract meaningful insights from them.
  3. Innovation: Computational thinking encourages people to think innovatively and come up with new and creative solutions to problems.
  4. Automation: Algorithms are essential for automating processes which can increase efficiency, and reduce errors.
  5. Collaboration: Computational thinking promotes collaboration and communication among people with different backgrounds and expertise – making it a necessary skill in the remote work environment. 
  6. Digital literacy: Computational thinking is an essential skill for digital literacy in today’s world because it enables people to understand and utilize technology effectively.
  7. Career opportunities: Computational thinking skills are in high demand in many fields, including computer science, engineering, finance, healthcare, design, and more. In fact, you’ll likely find jobs that require these skills on Authentic Jobs.
  8. Global challenges: Algorithms can be implemented to tackle global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and social inequality.

In summary, computational thinking and the use of algorithms are crucial skills that enable people to think systematically, analyze data, and solve complex problems in a wide range of fields. 

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Creative Professions That Utilize Algorithms

“The art of programming is the skill of controlling complexity. The great intellectual breakthroughs of our time have come from people who have been able to break problems apart, see the patterns, and simplify the system. Algorithms are the way we learn those patterns.”

– Douglas Crockford, Computer Scientist, Lecturer, and author of How Javascript Works

While algorithms are essential for programming, they are also versatile tools that can be used in various creative fields to generate solutions to complex problems. 

Here are some creative professionals who work with algorithms:

  1. Digital artists: Digital artists use algorithms to create art, animation, and interactive installations. Among these professionals, algorithms are often used to create complex patterns, shapes, and textures that would be difficult to design by hand.
  2. Game designers: Game designers use algorithms to create game mechanics, such as content generation, enemy AI, and physics simulation. For these designers, algorithms can be used to create dynamic and challenging game environments that keep players engaged.
  3. Sound designers: Sound designers use algorithms to create a variety of audio effects, such as reverberation, modulation, and filtering. For these design professionals, algorithms can be used to manipulate audio signals and create complex soundscapes.
  4. Interaction designers: Interaction designers use algorithms to create interactive systems, such as personalized interfaces. In this field, algorithms can help IXD professionals analyze user behavior and preferences and create customized user experiences.
  5. Graphic designers: Graphic designers use algorithms to create dynamic visual effects, such as fractals, patterns, and distortions. For this design field, algorithms can be used to create complex designs that would be more time-consuming to create by hand.
  6. Architects: Architects use algorithms to create various design elements, such as building shapes, facades, and floor plans. For architects, algorithms can be used to optimize building designs for energy efficiency, structural stability, and aesthetic appeal.
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Best Educational Resources to Learn About Algorithms and Data Structures

Computational thinking is essential for innovation, automation, collaboration, and digital literacy. And paired with the right algorithms, it has the power to solve some of the most challenging problems that our global community faces. So, it makes sense that a professional, like yourself, would want to learn more about computational thinking and algorithms specifically. 

Here are some of the best educational resources to get you started:

Essential Tips to Start Learning About Algorithms

  1. Begin with basics. Start by gaining an understanding of the fundamental concepts of algorithms, such as data structures, sorting algorithms, and searching algorithms. Focus on understanding the key concepts and how they work.
  2. Practice often. Learning algorithms is similar to learning a new language or picking up a musical instrument. You need to practice consistently to improve your skills and expand your knowledge. 
  3. Take baby steps. This is a complex field of study so, don’t try to learn everything at once. Take small steps and focus on understanding one algorithm at a time. Once you have mastered one, move on to the next one. Before you know it, you’ll know a ton of information about algorithms, data structures, and how computational thinking can help you in your career. 
  4. Refer to online resources. There are a plethora of online resources available, such as video tutorials, blog articles, and online courses, that can help you learn algorithms. Utilize them to supplement your learning and keep exploring concepts on your own. 
  5. Join a community of like-minded professionals. An online community or forum of people who are also learning about algorithms can be a great source of motivation and support for you when you’re just getting started.
  6. Learn how to read and understand code. To understand algorithms, it’s important to read and understand code written by others. So practice reading and understanding how different algorithms are implemented in code, and look for ways to optimize and improve them.
  7. Break down complex problems into smaller parts. When solving dynamic issues, try your best to break them down into smaller, more manageable parts. This can help you understand the problem better and develop more effective algorithms to solve them creatively.
  8. Focus on understanding over memorization. Don’t try to memorize algorithms. Try to understand the concepts and principles behind them so that the information sticks. This approach will help you develop a deeper understanding of how algorithms work, and empower you to apply them to new problems more effectively.