Computational mindset training as an effort to increase creative generation and Problem Solver for Informatics specialization students at SMA Negeri 1 Boyolali
Posted on: 2025-06-03 10:42:18
In facing the challenges of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the era of artificial intelligence (AI), computational thinking skills are one of the key competencies that need to be mastered by the younger generation. However, many students who still study informatics are limited to using software without understanding the logic and thinking structure behind the technology used. Motivated by this, the community service team from the Department of Informatics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University (FSM UNDIP) organized a computational mindset training for students of SMA Negeri 1 Boyolali. The service team consists of Dr. Yeva Fadhilah Ashari, S.Si., M.Si., Edy Suharto, S.T., M.Kom., Dr. Aris Praise Widodo, S.Si., M.T., Yunila Dwi Putri Ariyanti, S.Kom., M.Kom., and Adhe Setya Pramayoga, M.T.
The training was held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Computer Laboratory of SMA Negeri 1 Boyolali. This activity aims to strengthen the ability to think logically, systematically, and creatively in Class XI students of Informatics specialization. The event was officially opened by the principal, Mr. Bambang Prihantoro, S.Pd., M.M., in the school hall. After the opening, the training continued in the laboratory from 09.45 to 12.00 WIB. This training is filled by Edy Suharto, S.T., M.Kom., as a resource person with an interactive approach and hands-on practice. In this activity, students are invited to work on various challenges in computational thinking through the Bebras platform which is designed to hone logic and problem solving skills.
In this training, students are introduced to the four main elements of computational thinking, namely:
- Decomposition, which is breaking down big problems into small parts to make them easier to analyze.
- Abstraction: filtering out important information and ignoring irrelevant ones to simplify complexity.
- Pattern recognition, which recognizes similarities between problems to speed up the search for solutions.
- Algorithm design, that is, drawing up logical and systematic steps to solve problems efficiently.
These four principles form the main foundation for students to understand how computers work and the logic of systems. By equipping students with this ability early on, they not only become users of technology, but also able to become creators of technology-based solutions. A computational mindset is also relevant in everyday life, such as drawing up plans, solving social problems, or designing business strategies. According to a World Economic Forum report, skills such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, and technological literacy are key competencies needed in the future. Therefore, this training is one of the strategic steps in supporting students ' readiness to face rapid and uncertain global changes.
Post-training evaluation shows students ' enthusiasm for the material. Most of the participants successfully completed the Bebras challenge well and showed high enthusiasm to explore the field of Informatics. Broadly speaking, this activity is one of the activities supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) number 4, namely “ensuring inclusive and quality education and encouraging lifelong learning opportunities for all.” This training significantly contributes to improving digital literacy and reducing the technology access gap at the secondary school level. It is expected that this training can be the first step in forming a logical and adaptive mindset of students in the digital era.
