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The SwapPuzzle So what is an algorithm?

The SwapPuzzle So what is an algorithm?. Prof Paul Curzon Queen Mary, University of London. With support from Google, D of E and the Mayor of London. www.teachinglondoncomputing.org Twitter: @TeachingLDNComp. Aims. Give you deeper understanding of core topics What is an algorithm

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The SwapPuzzle So what is an algorithm?

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  1. The SwapPuzzleSo what is an algorithm? Prof Paul Curzon Queen Mary, University of London With support from Google, D of E and the Mayor of London www.teachinglondoncomputing.org Twitter: @TeachingLDNComp

  2. Aims • Give you deeper understanding of core topics • What is an algorithm • Efficiency of algorithms • Computational thinking • Give you practical ways to teach computing in a fun, thought provoking way • away from computers, focus on concepts • Linked activity sheets and booklets can be downloaded from our website: www.teachinglondoncomputing.org

  3. What do we mean by Artificial Intelligence? • Computing is about making intelligent machines • How is it done?…with algorithms • What do we mean by human intelligence? • If we identify abilities in humans as intelligent, we can then build machines to have these abilities. 1

  4. The Swap Puzzle Aim • Swap the red/blue pieces in as few moves as possible. Two kinds of move: • Move a piece to a free adjacent square • Jump an adjacent piece into an empty space Square 0 Square 1 Square 2 Square 3 Square 4

  5. Write out the algorithm Use the instructions of the form <to> GETS THE PIECE FROM <from> For example, for a 3 square board: Step 1: Square 1 GETS THE PIECE FROM Square 0 Step 2: Square 0 GETS THE PIECE FROM Square 2 Step 3: Square 2 GETS THE PIECE FROM Square 1 Then test it really does work!

  6. Execute it: role playing • Then execute it by role playing • with kids as pieces • Board 1 target time: 15 seconds • Board 2 target time: 40 seconds • Board 3 target time: 75 seconds • How many steps are needed? An online version of the swap puzzle is available at www.cs4fn.org/algorithms/swappuzzle/

  7. Algorithms • Once you solve a problem … • write out the algorithm • you can then solve it again without thinking • It is important to test algorithms • Does it really work? • There can be many algorithms to do the same thing • Some faster than others • Faster if it has fewer steps to follow

  8. Computational Thinking Lessons • Algorithmic thinking • Attention to detail • Need for evaluation • Think about efficiency

  9. Summary Algorithms and algorithmic thinking can be introduced in lots of fun ways • Away from computers! • With games • With magic • With puzzles

  10. More support On our website to support this session: • Activity sheets • Story sheets • Slides Details of more worskshops/courses • free unplugged sessions • subsidised courses (e.g. GCSE programming) www.teachinglondoncomputing.org Twitter: @TeachingLDNComp

  11. Together we areTeaching London Computing Thank you! www.teachinglondoncomputing.org Twitter: @TeachingLDNComp

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