Google: Exploring Computational Thinking

Posted on April 13, 2014 by jdioguardi

Computational thinking (CT) involves a set of problem-solving skills and techniques that software engineers use to write programs that underlie the computer applications you use such as search, email, and maps. However, computational thinking is applicable to nearly any subject. Students who learn computational thinking across the curriculum begin to see a relationship between different subjects as well as between school and life outside of the classroom.

Specific computational thinking techniques include: problem decomposition, pattern recognition, pattern generalization to define abstractions or models, algorithm design, and data analysis and visualization.

via Google: Exploring Computational Thinking.

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13 PHP Frameworks to Help Build Agile Applications

Posted on April 13, 2014 by jdioguardi

Building software applications can be a complex, time consuming process, however utilizing a framework can help you develop projects faster by reusing generic components and modules, and work better building on one unified structural foundation. Using a framework also facilitates scalability and long-term maintenance by complying with development standards, keeping your code organized and allowing your application to evolve and grow over time.

via 13 PHP Frameworks to Help Build Agile Applications.

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CSTUY – Computer Science and Technology for Urban Youth

Posted on April 4, 2014 by jdioguardi

In 1990, Mike Zamansky left his job as a software engineer for Goldman Sachs and entered the teaching profession. A few years later, at New York City’s prestigious Stuyvesant High School, he noticed a lack of opportunities for students to study computer science and related field. This started a twenty year journey to try to share his passion for computer science with youngsters and inspire them to go on to do great things in technology related fields.

Over the years Mike was joined by master teachers like JonAlf Dyrland-Weaver and Samuel Konstantinovich. Together, at Stuyvesant High School they have designed new courses, trained new teachers, run after school and summer programs, and built a community of Stuyvesant Computer Science Alumni that now permeate the Tech Industry.

Having dealt with the frustrations of working within the system to try to bring more opportunities to more youngsters and inspired by their alumni community, Mike, Sam, and JonAlf, have joined with Jennifer Hsu and Artie Jordan along with other members of the Stuy CS Community to form CSTUY, Computer Science and Technology for Urban Youth. An organization dedicated to bringing computer science and technology related educational opportunities to high school and middle school students.

What makes us different

Real teachers

Computer Science as a field faces a real dilemma. Due to licensing restrictions, there are very few teachers with strong computer science backgrounds. The flip side is that teaching is an art and a difficult one at that. The ability to teach at more than the most superficial level takes years to develop.

Most existing computer science programs are run by volunteers with limited teaching experience or by teachers with limited tech knowledge.

CSTUY has the advantage of having master teachers with strong technical backgrounds with a history of not only delivering inspirational instruction but also of developing courses and course sequences that are time tested.

continue reading About | CSTUY.

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Codementor | Instant 1:1 Help from Expert Developers

Posted on April 2, 2014 by jdioguardi

Codementor is an online marketplace for 1:1 programming help. We connect developers to experts instantly via screen/code sharing, video and chat.

via Codementor | Instant 1:1 Help from Expert Developers.

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Why (And How) Students Are Learning To Code – Edudemic

Posted on March 31, 2014 by jdioguardi

By Katie Lepi on March 30, 2014

Coding is more important now than ever before. With computer related jobs growing at a rate estimated to be 2x faster than other types of jobs, coding is becoming an important literacy for students to have and a more integral part of education and curricula. The handy infographic below takes a look at some of the interesting statistics about coding and computer science jobs. So if you aren’t yet sure why learning to code is important, you’ll find out below. Keep reading to learn more!

Coding: The Job of The Future

  • It is estimated that by 2020, computer related employment will increase by 22%
  • This will mean about 1.4 million jobs in computer science
  • The strongest demand will be for software developers
  • Computer programming jobs are growing at a rate estimated to be 2x faster than other types of jobs
  • Less than 2.4% of graduates graduate with a computer science degree
  • If current job trends continue, US citizens will only fill 30% of our country’s computer science jobs
  • Beginning in September 2014, England is implementing a compulsory computer coding in schools at all grade levels
  • A new bill has been introduced in the US which would qualify computer coding as a foreign language, and allocate grants for schools to teach coding as early as kindergarten
  • According to one CEO, an employee who understands how to code is worth $500,000 to $1M towards a company’s acquisition price

via Why (And How) Students Are Learning To Code – Edudemic.

Learn How to Code

by NowSourcing.
Explore more visuals like this one on the web’s largest information design community – Visually.

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Computer coding more in demand than languages, survey shows | Education | The Guardian

Posted on March 28, 2014 by jdioguardi

The teaching of computer coding should be prioritised over modern languages, according to a survey of British adults.

Twice as many thought teaching computer coding in school should be a priority than the number who saw Mandarin Chinese as more important. Coding was the top choice for 52%, against 38% who favoured French lessons, 32% Spanish, 25% German and 24% Mandarin.

The poll was published by code.org, a campaign to introduce children and parents to coding. It has created Hour of Code, a series of free tutorials designed to show students the basics of programming in an hour.

continue reading: Computer coding more in demand than languages, survey shows | Education | The Guardian.

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Robots Lab: Robots for Education

Posted on March 28, 2014 by jdioguardi

RobotsLAB is the specialist in robotics and education.

Our team of roboticists, engineers, teachers and professors developed the RobotsLAB BOX, an all-in-one tailored solution featuring the best robots; A STEM curriculum aligned with TEKS, STAAR and Common Core Standards; and a tablet allowing teachers to control the robots, and run exercises and lessons in the palm of their hand without any prior experience with robotics.

At RobotsLAB it is our goal to make STEM teaching fun and engaging for teachers and students.

via BUY NAO Robot, Q.bo robot and DARwIn-OP Robot. Teaching STEM with robots.

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10 low-code tools for building mobile apps fast | ITworld

Posted on March 28, 2014 by jdioguardi

No-code and low-code mobile programming tools give business users and developers a fast track to mobile app success

Check out the slide show here 10 low-code tools for building mobile apps fast | ITworld.

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A method to the madness: How 13 programming languages got their names | ITworld

Posted on March 28, 2014 by jdioguardi

Programming language names are usually pretty formulaic and boring, except when they’re not. Here are the inspirations behind some of the more creative ones

Check out the slideshow here:  A method to the madness: How 13 programming languages got their names | ITworld.

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Computer Science: Not Just an Elective Anymore – Education Week

Posted on February 26, 2014 by jdioguardi

By Liana Heitin

Computer science education is getting something of a fresh look from state and local policymakers, with many starting to push new measures to broaden K-12 students’ access to the subject.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia now have policies in place that allow computer science to count as a mathematics or science credit, rather than as an elective, in high schools—and that number is on the rise. Wisconsin, Alabama, and Maryland have adopted such policies since December, and Idaho has a legislative measure awaiting final action.

At least eight more states are in the process of reviewing proposals for similar legislative or regulatory changes.

“The amazing thing is not only the level to which policy changes are increasing, but the diversity, both regional and political,” of where it’s happening, said Cameron Wilson, the chief operating officer for the computer science advocacy group Code.org. “These are red states and blue states, and they’re all embracing this.”

continue reading:  Computer Science: Not Just an Elective Anymore – Education Week.

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