Is Computational Thinking Critical Thinking?

Abstract

Jeannette Wing popularized the idea of computational thinking, which is the set of approaches typically used in computer science in order to solve a problem. In recent years, nationwide educational reform efforts have focused on expanding students’ exposure to and proficiency in computational thinking. It has even been argued that computational thinking is critical thinking. This paper assesses the relationship between critical thinking and computational thinking by examining different definitions of and frameworks for critical thinking, assessing the various definitions and manifestations of computational thinking, and then analyzing the extent to which computational thinking can be considered critical thinking, concluding by noting important gaps between computational thinking as frequently practiced and critical thinking as ideally constituted. The social implications of the lacunae in computational thinking will be briefly explored.