Computational Thinking at its core is a problem solving process that can be used by everyone,in a variety of content areas and everyday contexts. Computational Thinking is an approach in which we break down complex problems into different fragments/segments,look for similarities and differences, simplify the problem and find an efficient solution. This broad problem solving approach consists of four vital steps.
1.Decomposition:Breaking down problems into smaller sections.
2.Pattern Recognition: Recognition of a pattern and determining sequence for the problem.
3.Abstraction:Generalization of a problem and focussing on the big picture, avoiding the trivial constraints.
4.Algorithm:Step by step instructions to solve a problem.
source:wcpss.net mi
School timetabling is way of distributing resources such as teachers And classrooms over a fixed period of time. This task can be Difficult and very time-consuming.When the the task is to find a timetable where all the requirements are solved without having any preferences to take into account the task can be classified as a search Problem. So let’s consider this scenario as a problem statement and find how this problem can be solved using computational Thinking.
Application of Computational Thinking
1.Decomposition:
The timetable can be divided into many segments depending upon:
1. number of student
2.number of teachers
3.number of courses
4.number of classrooms available
By organizing classes based on the number of students, you make sure everyone gets the attention they need. Matching teachers with what they're best at means students get the best teaching possible. Planning the schedule around the different courses ensures everyone gets a chance to learn a variety of subjects. And making sure there are enough classrooms keeps everything running smoothly. Balancing these factors leads to a timetable that helps everyone learn effectively.
2 Pattern Recognition:
Identify the best times for specific subjects or the frequency of class hours.Just like all the classes have a duration of 50 minutes and many classes may have same subject and same faculty( timings may differ).
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3.Abstraction:
The following constraints can be ignored during the timetable generation as they may not be that important.
1. All classrooms must be allocated and be used.
2. Having leisure gaps between classes.
3. In the column of weekdays, Sunday is ignored.
The following preferences can be considered important:
1.Classroom allocation according to the student strength or vice versa.
2.Maximum number of classes in a day
In the below timetable Sunday is ignored as it is a holiday
4.Algorithm:
A step by step instruction of timetable schedule such that it meets all the requirements and necessities of both students and teachers.
In real life ,institutes generally use this Computational Thinking approach to create timetables for students and teachers.For web based timetable generation ,they use efficient methods like Graph Coloring and Genetic Algorithms.
Conclusion:
There are variety of ways that we can practice and hone Computational Thinking from day to day activities to complex problems.Through this approach we can get a systematic way of solving problems and arriving at perfect solutions.Implementing CT as solving tool really simplifies our problems and create innovative solutions. It can also be applied in various streams and subjects like literature, social sciences and other STEM(Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) subjects as well apart from Robotics.
References:
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/
techtip_computationalthinking.pdf
https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:852117/FULLTEXT01.pdf
Faculty Instructor: Dr.P.Muthu Krishnammal
Sr. Assistant Professor
SENSE
VIT-AP University
Amaravati
Andhra Pradesh
mail: muthu.krishnammal@vitap.ac.in
