On Saturday, 9 November, AIMS South Africa held its first-ever Computational Thinking course for teachers, led by an expert facilitator from SAP and AIMSSEC staff. This event was groundbreaking, as learners from Masibambane and Lavender Hill High Schools — who recently completed algorithmic thinking courses at AIMSSEC — supported and even taught alongside the facilitators, introducing teachers to a “learners-guide-teachers” model rarely seen in South Africa’s education system. Throughout the day, teachers explored the essential skills of algorithmic construction, deconstruction, and reconstruction, learning to break down complex problems into manageable steps and analyse existing solutions.

These hands-on activities helped teachers grasp the basics of computational thinking. They highlighted how these skills could be applied in the classroom to develop learners’ problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

“Earlier in the year, I attended a Computational Thinking course [at a university]. Here I was exposed to the potential benefits of using  Computational Thinking in how we conceptually develop certain physical science concepts. I however found the Turtlestitch application, a tool that allows users to create their own designs using code and a digital embroidery machine, much more intriguing…perhaps because of the concrete output at the end of the course. It inspired me again to want to teach, by connecting to my creative self. “

Teacher – Bernard Hess

‘I would like for us to implement what we did on Saturday in our school but introducing it to a small group of grade 8 learners especially learners that are good at practical things. This subject could be their strong point… I also feel that these workshops are really beneficial to us as educators and we should continue to attend.‘

Teacher – Michaela Loff 

 

At AIMSSEC, we recognise that today’s digital age often places learners ahead of their teachers in computational knowledge, and we are dedicated to building on the learners’ successes to empower teachers. We extend our gratitude to the teachers from Metro East and Metro South who joined us for this enriching experience!