PACT:An initiative to introduce computational thinkingto second-level education in Ireland
Aidan Mooney, Joe Duffin, Thomas J. Naughton, Rosemary Monahan, James F. Power, Phil Maguire · 2014
PACT (Programming ∧ Algorithms ⇒ Computational Thinking) is a partnership between researchers in the Department of Computer Science at Maynooth University and teachers at selected post-primary schools around Ireland. Starting in September 2013, seven Irish secondary schools took part in a pilot study, delivering material prepared by the PACT team to Transition Year students. Three areas of Computer Science were identified as being key to delivering a successful course in computational thinking, namely, programming, algorithms and computability. An overview of the PACT module is provided, as well as analysis of the feedback obtained from students and teachers involved in delivering the initial pilot.