MPCT: media propelled computational thinking

Media-Propelled Computational Thinking (MPCT – pronounced impact) is a course designed to introduce programming in the context of engaging problems in media computation, math, and physics. Programming concepts are introduced as incremental steps needed to solve pragmatic problems students already understand. The problems, graphical API, and hands-on program features are intended to expose fundamental concepts in mathematics and quantitative science. MPCT is offered in an entering students program for freshmen who plan to specialize in a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and non-STEM subjects. The curriculum is intended to strengthen student intuition and interest in mathematical modeling and programming by engaging students in the direct manipulation of simple mathematical systems that model and display familiar physical phenomena. MPCT uses programs as concrete and manipulatable examples of fundamental concepts to engage a diverse range of students includi...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2010
• Where: SIGCSE
• Authors: Eric Andrew Freudenthal, Mary K. Roy, Alexandria Nicole Ogrey, Tanja Magoc, Alan Siegel
• Keywords: Computational Thinking, Education, Fundamental Concepts, Media-Propelled Computational Thinking, SIGCSE 2010