As described during a press conference on April 23, Yonsei University and Microsoft Research have joined hands to develop the first computational thinking (CT) curriculum in Korea. Designed to nurture innovation and problem-solving, the curriculum aims to prepare talented students to employ computational thinking for the betterment of society. Students at Yonsei’s International Campus at Songdo will be the first beneficiaries of the CT classes, which will begin in the 2015–2016 school year.
Speakers at the press conference included Kap-Young Jeong, president of Yonsei University (top), and Miran Lee of Microsoft Research, the author of this blog (bottom).
Jeannette Wing, corporate vice president at Microsoft Research, coined the term “Computational Thinking” to describe the thought process involved in solving complex, real-world problems by using computer science theories, technologies, and other digital tools. She ranks among CT’s leading theorists and strongest advocates.
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The hallmark of computational thinking is the ability to decompose complex, open-ended problems and apply generalized solutions. To give a very simple example, CT would find an optimal solution for making a mocha latte at a café by first analyzing the many variables of this procedure: how to get an empty cup, how to fill it with espresso, how to add steamed milk and flavored syrup, how to fit the cup with a lid, and finally, how to hand it to the customer. In the process of analyzing these discrete variables, computational thinking would reveal the underlying general problem and its overarching solution: how to accomplish all of these steps without disturbing other café workers.
“Korean students are good at resolving specific, given questions, but they lack ability to analyze and define exactly what the general problem is,” said Jung-Eun Nah, a professor of computer science at Yonsei. “We will concentrate on teaching students to identify problems in their daily lives and devise solutions step by step.”
At the launch event, Kyung-Ho Lee, vice president of Yonsei University, stressed that the university understands the value of such problem-solving skills in this digital era, and that CT is the best way to instill these capabilities in students, empowering them to solve challenges across all academic areas and in every aspect of real life.
Speaking on behalf of Microsoft Research, I emphasized the inclusive nature of the new CT curriculum, noting that Yonsei is the first university in Korea to develop a CT curriculum for all its students.
Yonsei University plans to complete the CT curriculum development by July 2015 and to offer a limited number of CT courses shortly thereafter. The CT curriculum will expand to include all new students entering the Songdo campus in 2016. Science and engineering students will be required to take advanced CT classes as part of their major, while liberal arts students will take introductory CT courses as part of their basic education requirements. Eventually, Yonsei plans to implement the CT curriculum at its Shinchon Campus as well, where it will be taught in combination with various majors.
“CT education is expected to help the school greatly in nurturing students’ creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and we will take full advantage of our excellent education-research infrastructure in the Songdo International Campus,” said Kap-Young Jeong, president of Yonsei University. “We will continue,” he added, “to work closely with Microsoft to foster creative talents who can lead the digital society of the future.”
—Miran Lee, Principal Research Program Manager, Microsoft Research
Learn more
- Microsoft Research Asia (opens in new tab)
- Opportunities at Microsoft Research (opens in new tab)
- Yonsei University (opens in new tab)
- Computational Thinking (PDF) (opens in new tab)