What is computational thinking?

Computational thinking is a way of breaking down a solution to a problem into steps that you can program into a computer for it to solve. When you use computational thinking, you break down the thought process into smaller steps that follow each other in a logical order. You can employ computational thinking to actually program a series of instructions into a computer, or you can use it as a thought exercise that teaches you how to process an issue into the simplest steps possible.

Why is it important to learn computational thinking?

Computational thinking doesn't merely apply to those who program computers. You can rely on the concepts of computational thinking in your life and career. Computational thinking allows you to make sense of complex issues and break them down into simple steps to help you understand and solve them more effectively. It helps you to sort out relevant facts from details that don't matter and develop logical solutions to problems. Proponents of computational thinking insist that you can become more innovative when you apply these principles in your everyday life.

How does computational thinking affect my career?

On the surface, it's easy to see how computational thinking could affect your career if you're considering switching to a job in computer science. Computational thinking is essential to coding and other types of programming, and you can take those skills into that field if you're interested in a career change. You can also put the principles of computational thinking to use in your career in other fields. Learning computational thinking allows you to simplify and solve complex problems efficiently and see other solutions that you may not have been able to see otherwise. Computational thinking can equip you to become a better problem solver no matter where you work.

How can online courses help me learn computational thinking?

Whether you're just beginning to learn the basics of computational thinking or you're trying to understand and apply it at a deeper level, you can benefit from online learning. Online courses allow you to learn from some of the best professors in the field, and you can learn at your own pace and at a schedule that works for you. You can take your newfound knowledge of computational thinking into your workplace, be confident in what you've learned, and use it to improve your career and life as a whole.

What are the benefits of taking an online Computational Thinking course?

Online Computational Thinking courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Computational Thinking skills. Choose from a wide range of Computational Thinking courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Computational Thinking courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Computational Thinking, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Computational Thinking Courses - Learn Computational Thinking Online

Explore the Computational Thinking Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Introduction to Accounting Data Analytics and Visualization
Skills you'll gain: Tableau Software, Data Visualization Software, Excel Macros, Analytics, Accounting and Finance Software, Specialized Accounting, Analytical Skills, Pivot Tables And Charts, Accounting Systems, Business Analytics, Microsoft Excel, Data Collection, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Regression Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
442 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Design Computing: 3D Modeling in Rhinoceros with Python/Rhinoscript
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, 3D Modeling, Computational Logic, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Design, Python Programming, Animations, Scripting, Computer Programming, Automation
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
100 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Creativity Toolkit I: Changing Perspectives
Skills you'll gain: Creativity, Innovation, Creative Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Open Mindset, Curiosity, Cognitive flexibility, Self-Motivation, Adaptability, Initiative and Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Persistence
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
632 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Diversity Awareness, Generative AI, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Cultural Diversity, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Social Justice, Machine Learning, Algorithms, Information Privacy
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Natural Attenuation of Groundwater Contaminants: New Paradigms, Technologies, and Applications
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Geostatistics, Environmental Science, Mathematical Modeling, Laboratory Research, Microbiology, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Hydraulics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
506 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Lund University
Urban Nature: Connecting Cities, Sustainability and Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Governance, Environment, Innovation, Systems Thinking, Community Development, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Sustainability Reporting, Environmental Policy, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Business Modeling, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Finance
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
458 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Campus BBVA
The ABC of sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Sustainability, Social Justice, Environment, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Stakeholder Engagement, International Relations, Natural Resource Management, Finance, Economics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
199 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Global Trends for Business and Society
Skills you'll gain: Demography, Market Trend, Trend Analysis, International Relations, Socioeconomics, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Cultural Diversity, Financial Systems, World History, Economics, Business Economics, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
919 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Introduction to Quantum Information
Skills you'll gain: Emerging Technologies, Digital Communications, Encryption, Theoretical Computer Science, Cryptography, Linear Algebra, Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Information Technology, Physics, Simulations, Mathematical Modeling
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
121 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)
Strategic Organization Design
Skills you'll gain: Organizational Structure, Organizational Strategy, Organizational Effectiveness, Strategic Thinking, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Leadership, Process Design, Business Strategy, Business Management, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Planning, Systems Thinking, Growth Strategies, Decision Making, Innovation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
299 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Cape Town
Innovative Finance: Hacking finance to change the world
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Risk Management, Business Modeling, Innovation, Performance Measurement, Socioeconomics, Resource Management, Strategic Partnership, Financial Analysis, Entrepreneurial Finance, Finance, Stakeholder Management, Due Diligence, Contract Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
149 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Programming in Java: A Hands-on Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Apache Maven, Data Import/Export, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), JSON, Java Programming, Debugging, JUnit, Java, Software Documentation, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Restful API, Integrated Development Environments, File Management, Data Validation, Package and Software Management, Network Protocols, Unit Testing, Computational Thinking
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
183 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months