Computational thinking has become an integral part of education for 21st century learners. MIT App Inventor, a blocks-based programming language, is a useful tool to teach learners, both young and old, how to problem solve and think computationally. The CoolThink@JC project, funded and created by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and in partnership with the Education University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong, is a three-year primary school curriculum to teach these skills. 

MIT App Inventor has expanded on this curriculum to focus on the middle school level in the US. To disseminate these materials and to prepare teachers to use the curriculum in their classrooms, we have presented in various venues in the US and in New Zealand. In her presentation, Karen will be sharing her experience/insights on running workshops to give teachers hands-on experience in making mobile apps, and an opportunity to learn more about the principles of computational thinking. Karen will also be talking about Computational Action, where young people create apps that are meaningful to themselves, their peers, their community, and perhaps, the world.