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18 1 INTRODUCTION (post-2006): "programming ability produces CT" versus "learning certain concepts produces programming ability". He promotes Ahos (2012) definition of CT: the thought process involved in formulating problems so that "their solutions can be represented as computational steps and algorithms”. Accordingly, Denning emphasizes that algorithms are central to CT, and, consequently, CT and algorithmic thinking (AT) are strongly related concepts. He also underlines that algorithms, in the context of CT, must control some computational model. The goal of our beloved AlgoRythmics project is to promote computing education for all by taking into account the above highlighted elements from CT definitions. For this purpose, we created an engaging algorithm visualization environment. The environment is built around a collection of interactive dynamic visualizations illustrating basic computer algorithms. Making computing education attractive for different categories of learners (including K-12 learners and non-CS majors) is a challenging initiative. According to Guzdial (2010), a possible approach might be contextualization. Since developing differentiated teaching-learning strategies may involve substantial additional costs, some scholars have tried to find a context that is appealing to most students. A promising candidate for this “common denominator role” could be arts. The AlgoRythmics learning environment has been designed along this approach. Since music and dance are relatively close to most young people, this environment visualizes searching and sorting algorithms by professional dance choreographies (folkdance, flamenco, ballet). As an introduction and to arouse interest, perhaps, that is enough. What is this book about? About the AlgoRythmics universe. Of course, we did not dream of a complex teaching-learning tool and the attached didactical methods overnight. The AlgoRythmics project has its own particular history. Through this book, we invite the reader to accompany us as we virtually relive the AlgoRythmics adventure. 1.1 AlgoRythmics: An award-winning project A 2013 report by the joint Informatics Europe & ACM Europe Working Group on Informatics Education (IE & ACM, 2013) states that for a nation or group of nations to compete in the race for technological innovation, the general population must understand the basics of informatics: the science behind information technology (IT). To be competitive in the 21* century’s job market, students must understand the key concepts of informatics. The report describes CT as an important ability that all people should possess. The working group emphasizes that informatics-based concepts, abilities, and skills are teachable and must be included in the primary and particularly in the secondary school curriculum. Accordingly, the “2013 Best Practices in Education Award” (organized by Informatics Europe) was devoted to initiatives promoting Informatics Education in
