Development of a framework for unplugged computational thinking activities in improving the interest and skills in programming

Computational Thinking (CT) is a skill set required to solve problems and prepare future generations for IR 4.0. Programming skills and CT skills are correlated. Research indicates that programming activities will improve CT skills. However, there is also research that indicates that CT skills can influence programming skills. Programming skills consist of problem decomposition, designing the solution and finally implementing the instruction so that the computer can understand and execute it.

Currently, most of the implementation of CT requires technological support. Upon closer investigation, this is not feasible for low resourced schools. CT activities can also be delivered via an unplugged methodology that does not require extensive infrastructure. There are established research for unplugged activities. However, there is no framework for this delivery. This research looks into developing a framework for unplugged CT activities. The framework can be used to support the implementation and to measure the success of the program. It will provide a guideline to indicate the progress/decline of a student's interest and skills in programming. The skills in programming will be measured in terms of problem decomposition and designing the solution. Unplugged CT program can be implemented without the computer lab. By lowering the bar for adoption, it indirectly addresses the SDG goals, reducing inequalities.