Computational Thinking. Are computers or humans better problem solvers?

In the article, “Computational Thinking” the author describes the similarities and differences between human and computer computing process.  Computational thinking is a skill that children and adults should possess.  I thought you needed a computer or be a computer scientist to figure out the answer.  Nope, just a background knowledge and a little planning.  Statistics, algorithms, patterns, mathematical engineering.  What?!?  What do these words have to do with thinking? 

These different types of thinking occur in our everyday life.  What line is shorter at the gas station?  Where did I leave my keys?  How many times should I rent a steam cleaner before I buy one?  We have been taught to take a step back and analyze a situation and try to create a desired outcome.  Does it always go our way?  No. 

So, are humans or computers better problem solvers?

1.     Humans:  multi level thinkers, clever and imaginative, make computers exciting, and communicate and interact with other humans (emotion).

2.     Computers: dull and boring, restricted to software and programs (no emotions or feelings).

I think combining the two will create a greater learning experience.  Today the computer is so important in schools. 

NETS for students is #4 Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making.  Students are expected to plan, collect data, and analyze data to come up with an educated solution to a problem.  Students should be able to understand different perspectives to the solution. 

In elementary and high school, our type of thinking was very limited and narrow.  We did not have the of the internet, we only had books in the library.  I think that is so important to require students to be familiar with information in the internet and to show them how computers and humans can work/think together.