Integrating Computational Thinking into Information Systems and Other Curricula

Computational thinking (CT) is a fundamental skill needed to function in modern society. Despite widespread use of computers as productivity tools, existing curricula in information systems (IS) and other disciplines have not fully embraced CT concepts and skills. Increasing cross-disciplinary integration of CT into these curricula can help develop students’ problem-solving ability and provide educators with useful resources. Our collaborative initiative, named the “Living in the Knowledge Society” (LIKES) community building project, supports the integration of CT into college-level curricula by building a community of scholars and educators who will define the way to make systemic changes in how computing and IT concepts are taught and applied in both computing and other fields, thus better preparing the next-generation Knowledge Society builders. We describe the workshops, community-building activities, outcomes achieved, and case studies of developing teaching modules, curriculum guidelines, and teacher adoption strategies. Our work should benefit educators interested in integrating CT in their curricula, computing researchers interested in collaborating with other domain experts, and current students who aspire to become educators.