Learn some strategies and considerations for developing self-efficacy in elementary CS classes through interest-driven learning.
Read MoreAlthough 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.
Read MoreAbsolute 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.
Read MoreSequential learning within computer science classes often assumes an interest in CS or uses external rewards and punishments to motivate students to participate. Such an approach rarely takes into account the individual interests of students who may be required to participate and could cause some students to lose interest in CS. This session challenges the design of sequential learning by modeling and unpacking an approach that centers students' interests in learning. This session will alternate between discussion and participation that begins by problematizing sequential learning, models and discusses options for incorporating choice in CS classes, and then models and discusses what a CS classroom could look like if it were designed around student-interest.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreFort 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
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