Computational Thinking and Programming in the Training of Students from Early Age

Abstract

Information and communication technologies represent the ideal path for developing the necessary skills for students to function in a widely digitized society and to stop being simple consumers of technology. In this sense, one of the main challenges of current education implies that students learn to solve problems through the use of technologies and the creation of software, which implies the development of skills related to computational thinking and programming as part of the new learning processes. Thus, the objective of the research was to understand the impact of computational thinking and programming in the training of students. Therefore, the researcher focused on the concepts of computational thinking, programming languages, programming skills, digital literacy, and programming learning from an early age. Regarding the methodology, through the application of a descriptive study, the researcher carried out a bibliographic review of the scientific literature on the subject. Hence, the investigator concluded that the traditional teaching-learning process demands the incorporation of computational thinking and programming as new learning processes. In addition, programming languages have adapted to the needs of people, which has allowed the development of skills related to problem-solving, creativity, logical thinking, reasoning, and collaborative work. However, certain elements hinder this process; for instance, disability, necessary investment in time and money, and poor management of frustration, as well as inclusion and gender topics. Therefore, the author recommends carrying out new investigations that allow knowing if the professors in Latin American countries have the required skills to educate students in programming and thus move towards computational thinking.