Author: jdioguardi

K12CS – A Framework for K-12 Computer Science Education

As interest and growth in K-12 computer science education spreads, states and school districts are asking a common question: What do students need to know and be able to do in K-12 computer science? The ACM, CSTA, Code.org, CIC, and NMSI have joined forces with more than 100 advisors within the computing community (higher ed faculty, researchers, K-12 teachers), several states and large school districts, technology companies, and other organizations to steer a process to develop conceptual guidelines for states and districts creating a K-12 pathway in computer science.Code.org and ACM are providing funding for this effort. The framework is slated for release in Summer 2016.

Source: About – A Framework for K-12 Computer Science Education

Robomatter, Inc.

Teaching the Language of Innovation

At Robomatter, we use the motivational effects of robotics to excite students about computer science, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. ROBOTS and ROBOTICS integrate math, science, engineering, and technology in ways that motivate and excite students. Our goal is to provide easy-to-use robotics educational learning resources, many created under license from and in association with Carnegie Mellon University.

Source: About Us | Robomatter, Inc.

BBC micro:bit : Want to know a bit more about BBC micro:bit?

You can use your BBC micro:bit for all sorts of cool creations, from robots to musical instruments – the possibilities are endless. The micro:bit is a handheld, fully programmable computer being given free to every Year 7 or equivalent child across the UK. It’s 70 times smaller and 18 times faster than the original BBC Micro computers used in schools in the early 1980s.

This little device has an awful lot of features, like 25 red LED lights that can flash messages. There are two programmable buttons that can flash messages. There are two programmable buttons that can be used to control games or pause and skip songs on a playlist. Your BBC micro:bit can detect motion and tell you which direction you’re heading in, and it can use a low energy Bluetooth connection to interact with other devices and the Internet – clever!

Source: BBC micro:bit : Want to know a bit more about BBC micro:bit?

10 Python Teaching Resources You Really Should Be Using – teachcomputing.wordpress.com

Since I first started teaching text-based programming with Python in 2011, I’ve discovered some resources that I make use of regularly. I still use these extensively with the teachers that I support as part of my work with Exa Education. I’m sure that others reading this post may like to suggest other tools, and I would encourage you to add them as a comment on this post.

When I made my first tentative steps into the world of Python I was pleasantly surprised how welcoming, supportive and accommodating I found the Python community to be. The vast abundance of high quality, free teaching and learning resources are testament to this. Though you might equate the word ‘resource’ to describe something more akin to a textbook or webpage, without the assiduous efforts of the Python community the resources listed below would simply not exist.
Source: 10 Python Teaching Resources You Really Should Be Using – teachcomputing.wordpress.com

AppShed – Build HTML5, iPhone and Android apps online

AppShed allows people to become creators of technology, not just consumers.AppShed is a free online app-creation tool where users design, create and publish mobile apps. Everyone gains a huge sense of achievement, having been able to produce something tangible they can share with others. The app-building environment is intuitive and adaptable to your needs. Apps can be tested in real-time either on a mobile device or in a browser.
Source: AppShed – Build HTML5, iPhone and Android apps online

Code::Blocks

The open source, cross platform, free C, C++ and Fortran IDE.

Code::Blocks is a free C, C++ and Fortran IDE built to meet the most demanding needs of its users. It is designed to be very extensible and fully configurable.

Finally, an IDE with all the features you need, having a consistent look, feel and operation across platforms.

Built around a plugin framework, Code::Blocks can be extended with plugins. Any kind of functionality can be added by installing/coding a plugin. For instance, compiling and debugging functionality is already provided by plugins!

Special credits go to darmar for his great work on the FortranProject plugin, bundled since release 13.12.

We hope you enjoy using Code::Blocks!

The Code::Blocks Team
Source: Code::Blocks

Code/Interactive

C/I’s mission is to inspire and equip underserved students with the skills in computing, leadership, and professionalism needed to thrive in the Internet economy and beyond.C/I’s year-round programs introduce students from underserved communities to the creative power of technology through the teaching of hard and soft skills. By providing hands-on training in today’s most relevant technology subject areas, C/I’s programs serve as the building blocks for long-term career paths in technology.
Source: About C/I : C/I

Teaching Bronx Students the Language of Computers – The New York Times

The website allows users to post videos of police abuses, track them on an interactive map and even play a game in which the goal is to avoid gunfire from police officers.
Called Protect & Swerve, the website and companion app were created by six Bronx high school students who recently presented their work to business and community leaders, including the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, at an economic summit in Midtown Manhattan.

The students received applause, then a question: How much money would they need to further develop the app?

“Tell your people to call our people,” Shemar DaCosta, 15, replied. “And I’m just putting this out there: We’re all free for internships.”

The students’ success highlights a growing movement in the Bronx to equip young people with the knowledge and the skills to write code, the language of computers, so that they can become creators rather than simply consumers of apps, video games, websites and other programs. There have been coding lessons in schools, so-called weekend hackathons for students to code together for as long as 24 consecutive hours and training institutes for teachers across the borough as educators, leaders and others aim to help students navigate an increasingly digital world and better prepare for jobs in the future.

Source: Teaching Bronx Students the Language of Computers – The New York Times