This document discusses the difference between digital literacy and computational thinking. While digital literacy focuses on using technology and basic computer skills, computational thinking teaches problem solving, logical reasoning, and how to program computers. It argues that India's education system still emphasizes digital literacy over computational thinking. The document then describes computational thinking courses offered by MyPal Online School in partnership with the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, including introductory programming courses and courses focusing on languages like Java. It shares a testimonial from an alumnus who benefited from these courses.

1. Computational Thinking
vs.
Digital Literacy
Nickle Sitoula
Founder/CEO, Zyoba Labs Pvt. Ltd.
Advisor, MyPal Online School

3. In the 1990s, rapid developments were happening in computer technology in
the west. The east supplemented their efforts by providing low-cost resources.
Hence the Indian IT service industry was born.
Going back 20 years
• Computer penetration begins in India
• Computer were used mostly by large corporations
• General public had little or no access to computer
– Owing a computer was a luxury
• Challenge was to learn how to use a computer
• Industries like desktop publishing flourished
• Finally, Indian IT service industry was born that catered to
the needs of the western world

4. “And the times, they’re a changing” – Bob Dylan
Today, accessibility to computers have increased by leaps and bounds. Knowing
how to use a computer is no more a wow thing.
Fast forward – 2013
• Almost every household, at least in the urban and sub-urban
areas, has a computer
• People from all walks of life use computers
• The purpose of computers has changed
• With the advent of smartphones and tablet PCs, computing
has reached an entirely new level
• Today, MNCs from all over the world have setup their offices
in India

5. And our policies still talk only about digital literacy. Have we really moved
ahead?
Digital Literacy
Digital Literacy is the ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate and
create information using a range of digital technologies - Wikipedia
• Digital Literacy is just one brick in the wall
– We have to understand that technology is just a facilitator
• Example: In education
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Use of computers in classroom
Use of software to teach
Online course materials
Online research using tools like Google, Wikipedia, etc.
• Given easy accessibility, achieving digital literacy is not a
challenge

6. The challenge is to identify, formulate and solve a problem.
So, what is the challenge?
• Consumer vs. Conjurer
– Creating technology is a completely different ball game
– Example: Internet
• Prior to the advent of internet, communication, knowledge sharing, and
collaboration were inefficient
• How to move up the value chain?

7. “I think everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer
because it teaches you how to think” – Steve Jobs
Computational thinking
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•
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Analyzing and logically organizing data
Data modeling, data abstractions, and simulations
Formulating problems
Identifying, testing, and implementing possible solutions
Automating solutions via algorithmic thinking
Generalizing and applying this process to other problems

8. In the current context, there is some traction in computation but the emphasis
is mostly on coding.
But, it is not just coding
• Computational thinking is about critical thinking and
problem-solving
• It involves
– Understanding the fundamental concepts of computing
– Learning to comprehend, analyze and structure the problems
– Developing logical skills required to solve the problem
• Learning to code comes next
– Programming languages are simply tools to implement a solution to
a problem.

9. MyPal has partnered with Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science
(IMACS), USA that develops and offers high quality math and computer science
courses to talented middle school and high school students.
About MyPal CS courses
• Specially crafted for talented secondary school students
– Also suitable for college students who want to get a better
understanding of computer science
• Focus on computer science education – fundamentals,
programming concepts, algorithms and so on
Prerequisite
Students must take the CSAT test and qualify prior to enrolling. No prior computer
knowledge is needed. The test comprises of problems that test the test-taker’s critical
thinking and logical reasoning abilities.

10. MyPal Online School offers courses for various level of expertise, right from
foundation courses in computer science to more advanced programming
courses.
Courses on offer
• Principles of Programming
– Introductory course
– Focus on fundamental ideas such as data expressions, functions,
recursion, data structures, global and local variables, functional and
object-oriented programming
– Curriculum the same as that used at top institutes like MIT, John
Hopkins, etc.
• Java Programming
– Focus on Java programming language
– Prepares students for entry into university-level courses
– Prepares students for the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP)
curriculum for computer science
Online Delivery | Self-Paced | Tutor Support | Discussion Forums | Collaboration

11. Alumni of IMACS have landed at top universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford,
Yale, etc. in the past.
Words from an alumnus
“By age 13, I had completed all the CS courses available through my online high
school and regional talent search program. Still, I wanted more and found it with
University Computer Science I from eIMACS. The course provided just the right
level of challenge to keep me interested every day. Because it is self-paced, I was
able to spend more time on topics when I needed or wanted to. My cool online
instructor was very supportive, answered all my questions quickly, and even
followed up with me by phone to make sure I was 'getting it.' The curriculum
helped me think more logically about computing instead of dealing with
programming issues by brute force. After UCS1, other CS courses were more fun!
I am now 15 and a full-time, dually enrolled university student. As someone
who's mostly been in an online learning environment since age 5, I can definitely
say eIMACS courses are excellent. Thank you, IMACS, for a solid foundation!”
Calista Frederick-Jaskiewicz, eIMACS Student and founder of Origami Salami

12. The success mantra is commitment, dedication, perseverance and hardwork
The key to success
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•
•
•
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Start early - 10,000 hours to mastery
Get your basics right
Collaborate
Experiment
Focus. Focus. Focus

13. Thank you