How Tangible Africa Empowers Students with Computational Thinking

by The STEAM Team

27 July 2023

Imagine a world where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the power of coding and computational thinking. A world where even those in remote "un-plugged" communities can become the software developers of tomorrow. This vision is the driving force behind Tangible Africa, a groundbreaking initiative that is revolutionizing education and empowering students to become problem solvers and critical thinkers.


Recently, CreativeHUT in partnership with AWS In Communities, had the incredible opportunity to host the "Tangible Africa" Master Training in Dublin. This training programme aimed to upskill over twenty new Tangible Master Trainers, equipped with the tools and knowledge to bring the transformative power of computational thinking to students of all ages across Europe.


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So, what exactly is Tangible Africa, and how does it achieve its ambitious mission? At its core, Tangible Africa places coding concepts within reach of any child willing to learn, bridging the gap for those without access to computers, the internet, or electricity. It does this through cost-effective instruments, implemented by teachers or facilitators who might not be qualified programmers themselves. The brainchild of a 21-year-old student, Byron Batteson, the concept was born in Gqeberha, South Africa, and quickly gained momentum under the guidance of Prof. Jean Greyling from Mandela University.


The partnership between Byron and Prof. Greyling exemplifies the power of collaboration between students and teachers. Byron, now a software developer for Amazon in Cape Town, South Africa, brought the original TANKS app to life, while Prof. Greyling expanded the concept, making it a tangible reality.


Since its launch in 2017, Tangible Africa has grown to include two more apps, RANGERS and BOATS. These apps have already made a significant impact on tens of thousands of bright minds in countries as diverse as Ghana and Ireland. The goal is to give students access to the fundamentals of coding and support the development of computational thinking, empowering them with essential skills that will serve them well in any field they choose to pursue.


Computational thinking is more than just coding; it's a problem-solving approach that draws on concepts and techniques from computer science to tackle complex problems in a systematic and efficient manner. It involves breaking down problems into smaller, manageable parts and devising algorithms or step-by-step instructions to arrive at solutions. While computational thinking has its roots in computer science, its applications extend far beyond the world of programming.


The key concepts covered in the Tangible Africa programme are:

  • Decomposition: Breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable tasks. This process enables students to understand, analyze, and address each component separately, leading to a deeper understanding of the problem as a whole.
  • Pattern Recognition: Identifying patterns and trends in data or information. Recognizing patterns allows students to develop generalizations and abstractions, which can be applied to similar situations in the future.
  • Abstraction: Focusing on essential characteristics while ignoring irrelevant details. Abstraction simplifies the problem, making it easier to work with and understand, without losing its core aspects.
  • Algorithm Design: Creating step-by-step instructions or processes for solving problems efficiently. Well-designed algorithms are clear, unambiguous, and optimized for efficiency, leading to effective problem-solving.

Integrating computational thinking exercises into the curriculum is not about turning every student into a computer programmer. Instead, it's about nurturing their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills, which can benefit them across all aspects of education and beyond. This approach cultivates a mindset of curiosity, exploration, and resilience, empowering students to become confident and capable learners throughout their lives.

During the two-day training, participants had the opportunity to explore Tangible Boats, designed for students aged 4-8, and Tangible Rangers, tailored for students aged 8 and above. Through hands-on experience, they learned how to engage and inspire students using these innovative apps, opening the doors to a world of computational thinking and problem-solving.

Tangible Africa is igniting a spark of curiosity and creativity in young minds, transcending barriers to education and empowering students to unlock their full potential. By incorporating computational thinking into the learning journey, we are not just preparing students for a digital future; we are shaping a generation of critical thinkers who can thrive in any endeavour they pursue. The journey has just begun, and with initiatives like Tangible Africa, the future of education looks brighter than ever.