Inaugural Lecture Explores the Importance of Computational Thinking in the 21st Century

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Computational thinking as a 21st century skill was the focus of School of Management, Information Technology and Governance academic, Professor Irene Govender’s Inaugural Lecture titled: Life in the Digital Era: Enhancing Computational Thinking.

Inaugural lectures form part of UKZN’s Public Lectures series and may only be presented by newly-appointed full professors. This milestone in an academic’s career is an opportunity to showcase exciting and ground-breaking research and teaching.

Govender’s research explores how students learn programming with a view to improving pedagogy in this field and enhancing problem solving and logical thinking skills.

‘Ten to 15 years ago, one would not have thought that computational thinking would become so pervasive. This trend is growing across every industry and thus has implications for our students and the labour market and, in turn, our education and curriculum,’ explained Govender.

Her lecture unpacked what computational thinking is, its importance and relevance to programming and artificial intelligence and how computational thinking can be enhanced.

Govender said that many prominent public organisations like Microsoft, Facebook and the world of technology in general support the proposal that all students should learn some aspect of programming or coding.

‘As research advances, algorithms are improving. This, in turn, leads to improved learning. Just as high school students are expected to know about photosynthesis and how the digestive system functions, every 21^st century student should also have the opportunity to learn about algorithms, how to make apps and how the Internet works. Currently, there’s little expectation in our schools that students will even have a basic understanding of these concepts even though they are driving a large part of our society,’ commented Govender.

She added that in the new global economy, digital technology is central to the labour market. Solving unusual problems is hence a key competence in a world that is constantly changing. Today’s students will go on to live a life greatly predisposed to IT and many will work in areas that involve or are impacted by IT.

Govender acknowledged her colleagues in the Discipline of Information, Systems and Technology, Professor McArthur, Professor Mutula, her family, her husband Professor Desmond Govender, two sons Stanton and Joash, daughter-in-law Sherece and granddaughter Ariella.

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor in the College of Law and Management Studies Professor Brian McArthur said that the world we live in today calls for constant upskilling, re-skilling and new modes of thinking, particularly in the digital realm and saluted Professor Govender for her contribution in this field.

The full inaugural lecture can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M58zsX1IBc.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Supplied