1. Decomposition: After some extraneous research, we decide to break apart our big problem into 2 smaller, less menacing problems. First, we need to save enough money for: application fees, a down payment, closing costs, moving costs, new furniture down payments, and a little extra for unexpected home repairs. We calculate (over and over) and find we need at least 15k, keeping into account our cost range for homes. Our second issue is location, location, location. We look at flood maps, zoning maps, appraisable maps, and drive by different locations. We would also need to be aware of the nearest schools, groceries, hospitals, etc. Then we would discover several general areas in our chosen city/area we would approve of getting a house in.
1.1. Rationale: This part of the scenario correlates to decomposition of the computational thinking process because it beaks down one huge problem into two smaller, more manageable issues that can be more easily accomplished and make the solver feel less overwhelmed (Moore, Bartley, Hernandez & Williams, 2019).
2. Abstraction: Applying the first problem with the first step in the algorithm, we find that we needed to save money to buy a house. However, is there ever an instance where we shouldn't be saving money? Using different budgeting apps or old school paper and pencil, we can plan to save for vacations, Christmas gifts, events, cars, etc. As mentioned above, we use an app called Mint. It helps us save money and even informs us when we've gone over budget. Using this app, I have also began saving for a vacation when we are finally safe to travel again.
2.1. Rational: This part of the scenario represents abstraction in computational thinking because it is possible for the solution mentioned in the algorithm above to be transferred to other problems such as using budgeting to save for other reasons, like vacations (Yadav, Hong & Stephenson, 2016).
3. Problem Statement: My husband and I want to buy a house this coming summer. After doing some research, we discover we are no where near ready and are in fact, delusional. However, we really dislike our current neighborhood and do not want to continue throwing money away on an apartment. We are also finding that we are ready to begin growing our family. We decide that we will move into a home this summer, but how?
4. Patterns: While conducting all of this research, we discovered that there is a direct correlation to cost and location when it comes to homes. We noticed homes in flood zones were a lot cheaper than those that weren't, which is upsetting to think about. We also noticed that the better the schools, the higher the cost of taxes were for houses in that area. It brings us to the pattern that unfortunately exists in America where the cost of living corelates to the quality of life
4.1. Rationale: This scenario is pattern recognition because we took the information we learned from our research in the different factors in location analyzing and found how they connected to each other (BBC, 2020).
5. Algorithm: While there are many components to buying a house, it doesn't have to feel like an impossible task. In order to successfully begin the process, the first step should always be saving for a sufficient goal amount of funds for all the different costs that come with buying a house. You can aim for this goal with budgeting using different apps. Personally, we use Mint, which was created by Intuit. It is an app and website that connects to your bank account and even credit accounts. You input your spending/bills and create goals. I recommend this as the first step because you can continuously work towards it while you continue the rest of the process. The next step of the process should be doing your research in the city/area you want to live in. Important factors like flooding zones and appraisal information will have an effect on your life and could even bring you harm if you are not fully aware of the location's important data. After following these steps, you are ready to begin your search for the specific home you'd prefer. I'd save this as the last step because you can fall in love with a home but if you are not away of the costs and location information, you could be spending more money than you have saved and choosing a terrible location. Therefore, it should be the last thing you do.
5.1. Rationale: This scenario is an example of an algorithm in computational thinking because this process is clear and structured in a way that is possible to compute (Wolfram, 2016). However, in this case, the person is the computer and using this algorithm, it is up to them to follow it in order to solve the problem at hand.
6. References:
6.1. BBC. (2020). Introduction to computational thinking. Bitesize. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zp92mp3/revision/1
6.2. Moore, J. Bartley, E., Hernandez, V., & Williams, A. (2019). Computational thinking in your school library. Knowledge Quest Blog. Retrieved from https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/computational-thinking-in-your-school-library/
6.3. Yadav, A., Hong, H. & Stephenson, C. (2016). Computational thinking for all: Pedagogical approaches to embedding 21st century problem solving in K-12 classrooms. TechTrends, 60(6), 565-568.
6.4. Wolfram, S. (2016, September 7). How to teach computational thinking. Wired. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2016/09/how-to-teach-computational-thinking/
