#CodeHow Getting Started: Programming Misconceptions
Category: curriculum
New Dimensions to Scratch
In this hands on workshop, you will use the extensions for littleBits, Leap Motion, SparkFun’s Digital Sandbox and Makey Makey and the Make!Sense sensors with Scratch 2.0 to remix projects that change what you see on the screen by interacting with the physical world. Using challenge activities participants will learn the concepts by remixing projects on the spot with live help. Reflection, documentation and community support will be discussed and shared. Kreg Hanning (Lesley University, Cambridge, US) khanning@lesley.edu twitter: @khanning88 Susan Ettenheim (Eleanor Roosevelt High School, New York City, US) settenheim@erhsnyc.net twitter: @susanettenheim
Source: New Dimensions to Scratch
Program Overview | Google CS First
CS First is a free program that increases student access and exposure to computer science CS education through after-school, in-school, and summer programs. All clubs are run by teachers and/or community volunteers.Our materials:are completely free and available onlineare targeted at students in grades 4th-8th ages 9-14can be tailored to fit your schedule and needsinvolve block-based coding using Scratch and are themed to attract students with varied interests
EngageCSEdu
EngageCSEdu is a dynamic collection of high-quality, open course materials for introductory computer science (CS) courses. Materials were contributed by faculty from across the country. Developed by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and Google, the goal is to establish a more diverse computing workforce by retaining women and other underrepresented groups in undergraduate CS education. Many things influence retention in CS, but having a great experience in introductory courses is key.
via EngageCSEdu.
Google Computer Science for High School
Curiosity should be encouraged
While an introduction to CS concepts at earlier ages encourages more diversity among scholars and practitioners in the field, there are not enough instructors prepared to guide our next generation of innovators.Through annual grants, CS4HS supports colleges and universities dedicated to CS education in their efforts to provide professional development training for local high school and middle school teachers. These teachers develop their own CS curriculum using real-world applications to engage young adults and spark curiosity for what is possible.
15 Colleges Revamping Computer Sci Programs To Appeal to Women and Minorities — Campus Technology
By Dian Schaffhauser10/14/14
An organization that runs programs to advance women in computing and a college that has seen success in its own efforts to woo non-traditional students to computing has launched a new program intended to help 15 American institutions increase the percentage of their undergraduate majors who are female or students of color. The Anita Borg Institute and Harvey Mudd College will be working with the undergraduate computer science departments at schools that include Missouri University of Science and Technology, the University of North Texas and Villanova University to pursue a broad set of students through multiple approaches.
via 15 Colleges Revamping Computer Sci Programs To Appeal to Women and Minorities — Campus Technology.
Teaching computer science — without touching a computer | The Hechinger Report
A group of children on a playground, each kid clutching a slip of paper with a number on it, moves along a line drawn in chalk, comparing numbers as they go and sorting themselves into ascending order from one to ten.
Another group of children, sitting in a circle, passes pieces of fruit — an apple, an orange — from hand to hand until the color of the fruit they’re holding matches the color of the T-shirt they’re wearing.
via Teaching computer science — without touching a computer | The Hechinger Report.
Creating a Community of Learners With Coding – Edudemic
By Kate Wilson on July 7, 2014
Professional coders work collaboratively, and rarely does a computer scientist create a program solely on their own. Every successful programming project evolves as a result of Iterations of code, the merging of ideas, and the contributions of the individual team members. Not only does coding empower students to think logically and critically, to collaborate, and to create meaningful learning, but it also provides them an authentic opportunity to develop critical communication and collaboration skills.
via Creating a Community of Learners With Coding – Edudemic.
Made with Code
Made with Code is an initiative to champion creativity, girls, and code, all at once. The movement is designed to do three things: To inspire girls by celebrating women and girls who are using code to do great things; to engage girls to try coding through introductory projects and resources; and to sustain their interest by creating alliances and community around girls and coding.
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Computer Science: Not Just an Elective Anymore – Education Week
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.