The intelligent piece of paper so what is
- Slides: 11
The intelligent piece of paper: 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: @Teaching. LDNComp
Aims • Give you deeper understanding of core topics – What is an algorithm – Computational thinking – in the context of Artificial intelligence • 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
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
I have a piece of paper that is more intelligent than anyone in this room!
Perfect Instructions? I am X… and I go first… Move 1: Go in a corner. Move 2: IF the other player did not go there THEN go in the opposite corner to your move 1. ELSE go in a free corner. …
Algorithm beats humans at their own game 1997, IBM's Deep Blue Supercomputer beat reigning World Chess Champion, Garry Kasparov …Following an algorithm …brute force searching "I'm not afraid to admit that I'm afraid, ” -Kasparov
Algorithms 1 • Algorithms are: – sequences of steps – to be followed in a given order – that achieve some desired effect • Everything computers do involves following algorithms written by humans • They give computers the power to be ‘intelligent’.
Computational Thinking Lessons • Algorithmic thinking • Logical Thinking • Abstraction
Summary Algorithms and algorithmic thinking can be introduced in lots of fun ways • Away from computers! – with simple games like noughts and crosses – magic – puzzles
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: @Teaching. LDNComp
Together we are Teaching London Computing Thank you! www. teachinglondoncomputing. org Twitter: @Teaching. LDNComp
