Teacher burnout has always been a problem in the field of education; however, the past couple of years has exacerbated the issue. With teacher shortages continuing to be an issue across the nation, we need to discuss strategies for preventing burnout in the field.

In addition, computer science teachers face unique challenges when it comes to finding work-life balance. In this session, we will provide a summary of strategies that more than 50 CS educators have shared in interviews on the #CSK8 Podcast, as well as best practices and ideas from productivity science. Attendees will not only learn from other CS educators, but will share their own strategies for staying mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy, even in today’s education landscape.

PresentationJared O'LearyJuly 11, 2023Computer science, Mental healthComment

Project-based Learning with Scratch (CSTA 2023)

This presentation begins with an introduction to various approaches to using Scratch for project-based learning; examples include backwards, inquiry-based, and emergent project designs. The second portion of this session is a Q&A with exploration of free Scratch project examples and resources that attendees can implement in their classrooms.

BYODJared O'LearyJune 21, 2023Project-based learning, Scratch, Coding, Curriculum, Inquiry-based learning, Projects, Computer scienceComment

Supporting Transgender, Nonbinary & Gender Questioning Kids

We will discuss actionable suggestions for working with trans students and conclude with open (or anonymous) Q&A.

PresentationJared O'LearyFebruary 21, 2023Computer science, TransgenderComment

Intersections of Popular Musicianship and Computer Science (2022)

Although some popular musicians engage in computer science practices for music-related purposes, such engagement is seldom discussed within music education or CS education discourse. This session begins with an exploration of hardware practices popular musicians use to modify, design, or build electronic devices for their music. I then introduce coding practices to create and modify music software, as well as to compose and perform with code. The session concludes with a discussion that unpacks potential implications and considerations for educators interested in the intersections of popular musicianship and CS practices.

Getting Started with Elementary CS (2022)

In many states across the country, districts are just beginning to implement elementary coding and computer science education initiatives; however, teachers and administrators are often unsure how to get started. While high school CS is often guided by AP or dual enrollment criteria, elementary educators are often asked to implement CS standards without guidance on how to do so or what elementary CS education could look like. This birds of a feather session provides a space for elementary educators and administrators to ask questions and share tips and tools for getting started with computer science. As a veteran educator who switched over to coding and makerspace classes from another content area, I know what it's like to feel uncertain about how to get started with CS education. In this session, I’ll facilitate discussion, ask questions, and guide attendees toward a multitude of platforms, resources, and approaches to assist them in getting started with elementary CS education.

Birds of a FeatherJared O'LearyJune 23, 2022Assessment, Coding, Project-based learning, Resources, Projects, Computer scienceComment

Using a micro:bit with Scratch (2022)

Absolute beginners are invited to experience a differentiated physical computing and computer science classroom that meets learners where they are. Utilizing Scratch and micro:bits, participants will self-select into interest-based groups to begin creating a project that deepens their own understanding of physical computing and computer science education.

Integrating CS && Music in K-8

This exploratory mini session explores hardware practices popular musicians use to modify, design, or build electronic devices for their music. I then introduce coding practices to create and modify music software, as well as to compose and perform with code. The mini session concludes by sharing a variety of resources for diving deeper and having an open Q&A about the intersections of popular musicianship and CS practices.

PresentationJared O'LearyJanuary 28, 2022Chiptunes, Music education, Computer science, Curriculum, Coding, Live coding, Music technologyComment

Developing Self-efficacy Through Interest-driven Learning

Learn some strategies and considerations for developing self-efficacy in elementary CS classes through interest-driven learning.

Intersections of Popular Musicianship and Computer Science (2021)

Although some popular musicians engage in computer science practices for music-related purposes, such engagement is seldom discussed within music education or CS education discourse. This session begins with an exploration of hardware practices popular musicians use to modify, design, or build electronic devices for their music. I then introduce coding practices to create and modify music software, as well as to compose and perform with code. The session concludes with a discussion that unpacks potential implications and considerations for educators interested in the intersections of popular musicianship and CS practices.

PresentationJared O'LearyMay 31, 2021Chiptunes, Music education, Computer science, Curriculum, Coding, Live codingComment

Using a micro:bit to Differentiate Learning in Scratch

Absolute beginners are invited to experience a differentiated physical computing and computer science classroom that meets learners where they are. Utilizing Scratch and micro:bits, participants will self-select into interest-based groups to begin creating a project that deepens their own understanding of physical computing and computer science education.

PresentationJared O'LearyMay 28, 2021Computer science, Curriculum, Coding, Physical computing, ScratchComment

Project-based Learning with Scratch (CSTA 2021)

This presentation begins with an introduction to various approaches to using Scratch for project-based learning; examples include backwards, inquiry-based, and emergent project designs. The second portion of this session is an interactive exploration of free Scratch project examples and resources that attendees can implement in their own elementary and middle school classrooms.

Getting Started with Elementary CS (2021)

In many states across the country, districts are just beginning to implement elementary coding and computer science education initiatives; however, teachers and administrators are often unsure how to get started. While high school CS is often guided by AP or dual enrollment criteria, elementary educators are often asked to implement CS standards without guidance on how to do so or what elementary CS education could look like. This birds of a feather session provides a space for elementary educators and administrators to ask questions and share tips and tools for getting started with computer science. As a veteran educator who switched over to coding and makerspace classes from another content area, I know what it's like to feel uncertain about how to get started with CS education. In this session, I’ll facilitate discussion, ask questions, and guide attendees toward a multitude of platforms, resources, and approaches to assist them in getting started with elementary CS education.

Culturally Relevant Elementary Computer Science Curriculum on the Wind River Reservation

Fort Washakie, Fremont County School District #38, and Wyoming Indian Schools, are partnering to develop a curriculum that integrates Computer Science education standards with Indian Education for All standards. The project goal is to increase teachers’ self-efficacy for teaching computer science standards and increase pedagogical and content knowledge.

Project members will share how their teams are developing, piloting, and refining curriculum units that integrate computer science with Indian Education for All standards in their unique school communities. We’ll discuss our process as well as hear from educators about successes and challenges so far.

This is a partnership with American Institutes for Research, the WY Department of Education, and the nonprofit BootUp and funded by the National Science Foundation’s CSforAll RPP.

PosterJared O'LearyApril 7, 2021Computer science, Curriculum, Coding, Scratch, Wind River ReservationComment

Arizona Computer Science for All

In 2021 a specialized team at the Arizona SciTech Institute, Arizona Science Center, and Arizona State University will be starting a project to support K8 teachers. The program will be centered around computer science and computational thinking, and how they can support student learning. The project will focus on supporting educators with age-appropriate and grade relevant tools, projects, and background knowledge to support their student's 21-century skills. The project will be led by Cochise County resident and past STEM teacher, Kalman Mannis.

This session will be composed of three parts: First will be an introduction to the Arizona Computer Science Landscape project with a few minutes to get everyone using the same words; 2. Experience sample age-appropriate computer science projects (you get to play!) coached by Jared O'Leary of BootUp, 3. Debrief and next steps.

The practicals will be geared with the understanding that many schools across the county are teaching remotely. To help teachers we are going to provide attendees with free resources that enable kids to learn how to use Scratch through self-paced, interest-driven projects. This session will offer a link to hundreds of free resources that you can immediately use with remote or in-person classes. You will be able to explore free video and visual walkthroughs for developing a project in Scratch, project extensions, debugging exercises, remixing practices, reverse engineering practices, and lesson plans.

WorkshopJared O'LearyJanuary 21, 2021Coding, Project-based learning, Resources, Projects, Computer science, ScratchComment

Beatbox Machine with Scratch

Learn to make music with faces when certain keys on a keyboard are pressed. This activity introduces triggering algorithms with specific keyboard events.

PresentationJared O'LearyNovember 7, 2020Coding, Scratch, Music technology, Computer science, Music educationComment

The Wind River Elementary computer Science Project: Integrating CS Education Standards with Indian Education for All Standards

Fort Washakie, Fremont County School District #38, and Wyoming Indian Schools, are partnering to develop a curriculum that integrates Computer Science education standards with Indian Education for All standards. The project goal is to increase teachers’ self-efficacy for teaching computer science standards and increase pedagogical and content knowledge. This is a partnership with American Institutes for Research, the WY Department of Education, and the nonprofit BootUp and funded by the National Science Foundation’s CSforAll RPP. Project members and representatives from schools will share how their teams are developing, piloting, and refining curriculum units that integrate computer science with Indian Education for All standards in their unique school communities. We’ll discuss our process as well as hear from educators about successes and challenges so far.

PresentationJared O'LearyNovember 5, 2020Computer science, Curriculum, Coding, Scratch, Wind River ReservationComment

Making Music through Computer Science Practices

This session briefly explores some of the ways people create music through computer science practices, then explores creating a hip version of Hot Cross Buns in Sonic Pi.

PresentationJared O'LearyOctober 26, 2020Chiptunes, Music education, Computer science, Coding, Live coding, Video games, Sonic PiComment

Music Technology, Video Games, and Computer Science

This session explores music technology, video games, and computer science through three intersecting questions: 1) How can technology be combined, modified, or created for new ways of making music? 2) When is music? 3) When (and what) is a musical instrument?

Exploring Free Resources for Teaching Scratch Remotely

With many schools across the country teaching remotely, there is a need for free resources that enable kids to learn how to use Scratch through self-paced, interest-driven projects. This session explores hundreds of free resources that you can begin using with remote or in-person classes today. In particular, this session will explore free video and visual walkthroughs for developing a project in Scratch, project extensions, debugging exercises, remixing practices, reverse engineering practices, and lesson plans.

WorkshopJared O'LearySeptember 3, 2020Coding, Project-based learning, Resources, Projects, Computer science, ScratchComment

Integrating Computer Science into the Elementary Curriculum - Wind River Reservation

The Wyoming Department of Education, in collaboration with American Institutes for Research, three Wyoming school districts on the Wind River Reservation, and BootUp PD are writing, piloting, and refining a curriculum that integrates computer science with the WY Indian Education for All social studies standards in culturally relevant ways. Representatives from the districts will share their approach, an update on the project, and lessons learned.

PresentationJared O'LearyAugust 5, 2020Computer science, Curriculum, Coding, Scratch, Wind River ReservationComment