ISTE and CSTA have collaborated with leaders from higher education, industry, and K–12 education to develop an operational definition of computational thinking (CT). The definition provides a framework and vocabulary for CT that is meant to resonate with all K–12 educators.

CT is a problem-solving process that includes (but is not limited to) the following characteristics:

• Formulating problems in a way that enables us to use a computer and other tools to help solve them.
• Logically organizing and analyzing data
• Representing data through abstractions such as models and simulations
• Automating solutions through algorithmic thinking (a series of ordered steps)
• Identifying, analyzing, and implementing possible solutions with the goal of achieving the most efficient and effective combination of steps and resources
• Generalizing and transferring this problem solving process to a wide variety of problems

Download the Operational Definition (PDF)

Generalizing and transferring this problem solving process to a wide variety of problems

• Confidence in dealing with complexity
• Persistence in working with difficult problems
• Tolerance for ambiguity
• The ability to deal with open ended problems
• The ability to communicate and work with others to achieve a common goal or solution