"How Algorithms Shape Our World"

Before watching Kevin Slavin's Tedx Talk, "How Algorithms Shape our World," I really had no idea what an algorithm was. I always just assumed it was a fancy term that was used when talking about complex math and science theories. However, algorithms are much more apparent in our world than I thought. In fact, we use algorithms on a daily basis, not just on the computer or through technology, but throughout our everyday routines. For example, when we wake up in the mornings we go through certain steps to get to our goal line. We wake up, take off the covers, step out of bed, walk to the bathroom, etc. The point is there is a very specific set of directions that help us get out the door. That is an algorithm. Ultimately our world is run by all different types of algorithms, whether they are on the computer or within our daily actions. While watching Slavin's Tedx Talk I found it very interesting how he talked about algorithms in Amazon, the stock market and even Netflix. When talking about Netflix, he said that based on the shows you have watched in the past there is an algorithm which can suggest what show you would be interested in based on your viewing history. It is crazy to think that something as simple as a set of directions or algorithm has the ability to solve this complicated puzzle.

When teaching algorithms to students I think that it will be important for me to introduce the concept at first as an unplugged activity. I don't want students to limit the word algorithm strictly to computer science and technology because really algorithms are used in everything we do. An unplugged activity I think that would be helpful in teaching this activity is first asking students to stack cups, like we did in class. I think that this method really shows students how important the set of directions is and how the action of the "robot" relies completely on the directions in order to complete the task. After I have used the "unplugged" method, I plan on using code.org because it does a great job of starting off with simple tasks and building upon skills as students advance. Also it is a very kid friendly and appropriate website that will engage students and get them excited about coding. My goal as a teacher is to teach students as much as I can about computer science and coding because like Slavin said in his Tedx Talk we live in a world that revolves around code and it is the way of the future.