Teaching Computational Thinking (K-5) Microcredential
Program Description:
Empower your students to think like problem-solvers. Teaching Computational Thinking (K-5) Microcredential is a self-paced, online professional development program designed to help educators integrate computational thinking into their classrooms. No prior coding experience is required.
Developed by faculty at Teachers College, Columbia University, this microcredential offers a series of courses organized by grade band, allowing educators to focus on the content most relevant to their students. The microcredential gives teachers the conceptual grounding and practical tools to bring computational thinking to life in their classrooms. It will take approximately 12 hours to complete the full microcredential, and participants have two months to complete it at their own pace.
The microcredential launches November 1 with courses for grades K–5, with grades 6–12 to follow in Spring 2027. New York State educators who complete the K-5 program are eligible to receive 12 CTLE credit hours.
This microcredential is made up of self-paced, online modules. Badges and certificates of participation will be given for completion of all modules. The microcredential will take approximately 12 hours to complete.
Format: Online, Self-Paced Modules
Price: $295
Please Note: This microcredential has have rolling registration. Once registration is complete, learners will have 2 months to complete the course.
Questions: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
Instructor
Yasemin Gulbahar Guven is a Professor of Teaching in the Learning Analytics Program in the department of Human Development at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science Education and Instructional Technology from Middle East Technical University, Turkiye. Her research spans computer science education, educational technology, instructional design, learning analytics, and computational thinking, with extensive publications on AI in education and online learning. She currently leads projects on informatics teacher training, computational-mathematical thinking, and human-AI interaction, and recently served as a K-12 Standards International Advisor for the CSTA's Reimagining CS Pathways initiative.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this microcredential, participating educators will be able to:
- Demystify Computational Thinking: Master the core theoretical pillars of CT (decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, and algorithmic design) and translate them into age-appropriate, K–5 classroom practices.
- Bridge Unplugged and Plugged Learning: Confidently facilitate screen-free, gross-motor games as well as creative, block-based digital coding environments.
- Integrate CT Across the STEAM Curriculum: Weave computational logic naturally into daily Mathematics, Science, Literacy, and Visual Arts lessons without overloading your teaching schedule.
- Design Open-Ended Creative Sandboxes: Build inclusive, student-centered learning environments using "Low Floor, High Ceiling, Wide Walls" principles to foster agency and problem-solving resilience.
- Deploy Authentic, Process-Based Assessments: Evaluate both the cognitive problem-solving journey and the final project using multi-dimensional rubrics, artifact interviews, and observation frameworks.
Who Should Attend
This program is designed for K–5 classroom teachers looking to expand their instructional toolkit and bring computational thinking into their teaching practice. It is especially well-suited for educators in the early stages of exploring computer science integration, as well as those seeking structured, grade-specific professional development they can complete on their own schedule.
New York State teachers can earn 12 CTLE credit hours toward their professional development requirements.
Upon Completion
Participants who successfully complete this microcredential will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge—valuable credentials that showcase your commitment to professional growth and can be shared on LinkedIn or digital portfolios. View our sample microcredential badge below.
Additionally, a Certificate and Digital Badge will be awarded for each individual microcourse completed, recognizing your achievements every step of the way. View our sample microcourse badge below.
Sample Badges:
Licensed educators in NY state are also eligible for a Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE) certificate for a total of 12 CTLE hours for the microcredential.