Can computation thinking help learners become better problem solvers?
Computation does not just help students become better problem solvers, but is an essential aspect to learning. Scratch jr for example, is a coding site designed specifically for elementary and middle school students. The software uses puzzles, challenges and games, to challenge students to problem solve. Outside of coding, other web based games are very useful to practice problem solving. Lavaboy and Watergirl, Minecraft, RPG’s and countless other games make problem solving exercises fun, engaging, interactive and accessible.
Discuss the pros and cons of learners using games as consumers, compared to learners creating games (like subject-focused escape rooms for example)
Using games as consumers provides a more narrow approach to learning, as you are going through the game with the goals that the developers set out for you. Creating a game provides learners with the resources to set their own goals for the game. Both options have pros and cons, for example when playing a game that was made by someone else, you didnt get any say in the making of the game, but that game could also be used to teach specific lessons. Creating your own games, privides students with complete creative liberty to make something both meaningfull and impactful to them. On the other hand, sometimes having a narrower approach allows students to focus more on a specific topic, rather than a broad one.