Week 3 - Computational thinking

Question 1

What is computational thinking?

Answer 1

its not merely knowing how to use an algorithm or a data structure, but, when faced with a problem, to be able to analyse it with the techniques and skills that computer science puts at our disposal.

Question 2

What is a computational problem.

Answer 2

A computational problem is described as a problem that is expressed sufficiently precisely that it is possible to attempt to build an algorithm to solve it.

Question 3

what two skills does computational thinking consist of?

Answer 3

1. formulate a problem as a computational problem
2. Construct a good computational solution (i.e. an algorithm) for the problem, or explain why there is no such solution.

Question 4

describe the Diagrammatic representation of abstraction as modelling.

Answer 4

Model
                >            >
Represented         ignores
/modelled             detail of
by

Question 5

What is encapsulation ?

Answer 5

The layer through which the user interacts with the model is called the interface. It hides the detailed workings of the model from the user.

Question 6

describe the two layers involved in abstraction as encapsulation.

Answer 6

the interface: a layer through which users interact with the model.

hides depends
detail from on

The implementation: a layer that implements the model.

Question 7

How does abstraction as modelling help to manage complexity?

Answer 7

this is done by discarding infomration: we abstract away all that is irrelevant, to leave a model that contains only what is actually of interest.

Question 8

How does abstraction as encapsulation help to manage complexity?

Answer 8

it is done by hiding information: we encapsulate the details of an implementation/automation (of a model) behind an interface.

Question 9

Think of the computational thinking diagram, describe where modelling and encapsulation fit into this diagram.

Answer 9

Modelling is involved when one creates an abstraction for a physical-world phenomenon. Modelling results in a mathematical model which can then be automated. To deal with the complexity of automating a model, one can use encapsulation.

Question 10

Try to draw or explain the Computational thinking Overview Diagram

Answer 10

diagram to come