Computational Thinking is the skill learners need in subjects like Information Technology, Computer Applications Technology, Maths and Science. Some schools deliberately develop these skills.
One of the ways schools use to develop Computational Thinking is to take part in the annual Talent Search. This contest is part of the international Bebras Competition which annually attracts more than a million entries from more than 40 countries.
The tasks for the Talent Search are drawn up by a team of 60 professors, lecturers and teachers from forty different countries. Each task requires the participant to analyse a situation and use the knowledge to provide a solution.
The tasks are graded for different age groups:
Junior Grades 6 and 7
Intermediate Grades 8 and 9
Senior Grades 10 and 11
Elite Grades 12 and older
Remarked Peter Waker, manager of the Talent Search in South Africa: “We have enthusiastic support from a number of Primary Schools, but there should be more. Computational Thinking is something that should be developed from an early age.”
Most participation is from high schools which use the tasks to select learners for IT, CAT, Maths and Science. Participation is supported by education officials; one Education Specialist going as far as to send out a message “Hoping that most, if not all your learners will participate in the Talent Search.”
Asked if many university and college students were entered, Waker replied: “Unfortunately not. Universities and colleges do use the Talent Search to develop Computational Thinking, but study and career choices have already been made by then.”
The Talent Search is available in English and Afrikaans. Most participants take part online (no marking!). A pen-and-paper version is also available. Participation is free. Registration is via schools only. Go to www.olympiad.org.za or contact the organisers at
info (at) olympiad (dot) org (dot) za
Further Information: Peter Waker
Manager: Computer Olympiad
Ph: 021-448-7864
Fax: 021-447-8410
info (at) olympiad (dot) org (dot) za
www.olympiad.org.za
