#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Welcome to tonight's #ALedchat! Tonight’s topic is The Value of Computer Science in Schools. Pls introduce yourself & share where you are tweeting from.
I was finishing the dissertation, and it left little time for other things. It is good to be back but I must admit having all of this new space to stretch out in is weird. #aledchat
A1: basic exposure in K5, year long coding class at middle school, weekly in school clubs for robotics and intro to coding, AP computer science at high school. Expanding thanks to AL MS grant. #ALedchat
A1: Spotty at best. A couple of high schools have some CS courses, primarily the magnets. Most of our computer classes are data plumbing or app based. Coding is a rare beast. #ALedchat
A1: Ss in our K-4 school have technology at their fingertips daily. We are a 1:1 Macbook district. Ss at the K-4 level have technology class, makerspace lab, and they have recently been introduced to coding! #ALedchat
A1: We Have our ETA program which is a K-12 CS and Video Game Design Academy. Also have cyber security, robotics, and PLTW CS in middle grades and up (enrichment teams in elementary grades) #aledchat
Brandi Caldwell @atimpd at JSU — anxious to read your responses and offer my help as we all venture further into computer science in schools. #ALedchat
Phillip, I'm curious if you offer any specific computer/computing courses at your school. Sounds like an exciting place to be! #ALedchathttps://t.co/MNfKnDXppT
Brandi Caldwell @atimpd at JSU — anxious to read your responses and offer my help as we all venture further into computer science in schools. #ALedchat
In my classroom/GL team, integrated into curriculum through various coding tools (Beebot, Sphero, Dash and Dot, etc). Can tie to math, ELA, and social science standards! So many opportunities and the S’s love it! #aledchat
A2: Right now, our CS program for K-5 is only offered in some of the elementary schools, not all. I would love to see it expanded. I would also ❤️ to see more classroom teachers integrating CS, and not it being just a stand-alone class. #aledchat
A2. Idea world CS is 5th academic. I dream big :) not possible yet...The new DL&CS standards would be implement in every grade as they are designed. Every student would take mim 1 CS course in MS. Every HS would be required to offer 1 CS course #CSforAll#CS4alabama#ALedchat
A2 - I am living the dream at ARS. @treyholladay vision has been to provide an innovative, flexible program to meet the needs of many through blended/virtual learning #aledchat
A2: Ideally, CS through content areas as there are so many connections in all K5 with taking learning to deeper levels in 6-12. Also, many open opportunities for students to explore CS. #aledchat
A2: Ideally, a program which includes the major languages so students are able to find their perfect fit. Also, robotics and similar programs where students can learn the wide range of applications that coding has! #ALedchat
A2 - I am living the dream at ARS. @treyholladay vision has been to provide an innovative, flexible program to meet the needs of many through blended/virtual learning #aledchat
A1: What she said :) Trussville knows the value of these courses and hopes to continue growing our computer science opportunities. Hoping to learn more tonight about how others are growing your programs. #Aledchat
A2: To me, it is best not viewed as a “silo” course but authentically integrated into real-world context! I believe it is more meaningful this way. I know that for me, integrating with concepts I am familiar with helps me make sense of it! #ALedchat
A2: More time would be dedicated for very specific technology lessons for K-4. We share a technology teacher. Would love to have a T and time in the schedule for students to go to computer classes daily. #ALedchat
A2: Every student would take a computer science class and learn to code. Probably more & bigger ideas out there -
I need to grow in this area! #ALedchat
Professional development and a vision and direction from the district. We have the resources (we are a 1:1 district), but quality PD is key! The teachers at my school are rocking it, but I know it’s not happening everywhere. #aledchat
A2: Integrated across the curriculum! Algorithms and data processing do not have to be limited to CS classes. These are the building blocks of any prog language. Teach a child to tear apart a problem and then teach them to get a computer to solve it #ALedchat
A2: Right now, our CS program for K-5 is only offered in some of the elementary schools, not all. I would love to see it expanded. I would also ❤️ to see more classroom teachers integrating CS, and not it being just a stand-alone class. #aledchat
A2: integrative, innovative approaches across the curriculum, K-12. Critical thinking and computional thinking in all subjects will have a positive impact on our Ss lives! #csforall#ALedchat
A2: Every student would take a computer science class and learn to code. Probably more & bigger ideas out there -
I need to grow in this area! #ALedchat
A2: To me, it is best not viewed as a “silo” course but authentically integrated into real-world context! I believe it is more meaningful this way. I know that for me, integrating with concepts I am familiar with helps me make sense of it! #ALedchat
In honor of Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 4-10, 2017), we are excited to announce new FREE @khanacademy OER links focused on Computer Sciences & Programming on SAFARI Montage. Students will have the chance to learn basic to advanced concepts and programming languages.
Just wondering...Are computer classes needed? As classroom T’s in 2017, shouldn’t we be expected to utilize these tools across curriculum instead of just during a certain class? Interested to hear your perspective! #ALedchat
I will say that I love the stand alone course as well, because I blend so much making and design thinking in to CS. It’s also good to collaborate with classroom teachers to make the “making” meaningful. #aledchat
A2: Right now, our CS program for K-5 is only offered in some of the elementary schools, not all. I would love to see it expanded. I would also ❤️ to see more classroom teachers integrating CS, and not it being just a stand-alone class. #aledchat
I like the Girls Who Code philosophy. Find a problem and then design a way to solve it. This mantra is also within the context of CS career women speaking inspiration and success into their lives. #aledchat
A2: Integrated across the curriculum! Algorithms and data processing do not have to be limited to CS classes. These are the building blocks of any prog language. Teach a child to tear apart a problem and then teach them to get a computer to solve it #ALedchat
I think teachers see coding as just a “technology thing” but it’s not. It can be integrated in to any subject. I would love to show them how simple it can be blended to what they’re already teaching. #aledchat
A3b. #csed is about teaching Ss how to think and problem solve. When Ss realize they can create something they never thought imaginable for themselves, they become empowered.@CSforAllTchrs#CSforAll#CS4alabama#ALedchat
A3a. #csed Value is not making every S a computer scientist. Value is developing solution makers & creators beyond just solving problems encountered in life. S view of the world changes when they see how things work, logic involved, & understanding that it’s not magic #ALedchat
A2: #csed would be infused K-12 with opportunities within the school day, during after-school camps, as well as summer camps. There would also be more integrated lessons across multiple disciplines. Ss should have CS experiences even when not in CS courses. #Aledchat
Professional development and a vision and direction from the district. We have the resources (we are a 1:1 district), but quality PD is key! The teachers at my school are rocking it, but I know it’s not happening everywhere. #aledchat
A3: the value lies in the problem solving and critical thinking skills it cultivates...not to mention they will be better equipped in a digital world/future. #ALedchat
A2: To me, it is best not viewed as a “silo” course but authentically integrated into real-world context! I believe it is more meaningful this way. I know that for me, integrating with concepts I am familiar with helps me make sense of it! #ALedchat
A3: Echoing my response to Q2, learning how to take a problem apart and develop a procedure to put it together is a skill that translates to many subjects and disciplines. #aledchat
A3: Without a doubt, teachers can use CS to create learning experiences for problem solving, precision, being concise with procedure, sequence, growth mindset, grit, & persistence. #aledchat
A3: Huntsville is now a “hot spot” for STEM jobs. Recently named having more than Silicon Valley. We need to prepare our students for the local workforce. Also helps reinforce problem solving, collaboration, creativity and more. #aledchat
A3: Huntsville is now a “hot spot” for STEM jobs. Recently named having more than Silicon Valley. We need to prepare our students for the local workforce. Also helps reinforce problem solving, collaboration, creativity and more. #aledchat
It’s what we are seriously lacking. I wish there was more funding for it. I write grants like crazy or pay for PD myself! It’s crucial to having a successful program and implementation. #aledchat
A3: So many lucrative jobs go unfilled each year that are related to the content of CS education. Perhaps every student having exposure to this coursework might find potential workers for those jobs if they get hooked while in high school. #Aledchat
A3: It is a great way to teach well-roundedness. E.g. many Ss have trouble moving from "big picture" to solving individual problems within a greater problem. CS is great for this. Also, empowering Ss to realize they can create things that change the world. #ALedchat
YES! When I taught chemistry, that's how I would describe it to Ss who wanted to know why they had to take it. Not to become chemists at NASA... to learn to problem-solve & think critically & apply knowledge! #ALedchat
A3a. #csed Value is not making every S a computer scientist. Value is developing solution makers & creators beyond just solving problems encountered in life. S view of the world changes when they see how things work, logic involved, & understanding that it’s not magic #ALedchat
I like the Girls Who Code philosophy. Find a problem and then design a way to solve it. This mantra is also within the context of CS career women speaking inspiration and success into their lives. #aledchat
A4. The new AL CoS for Digital Literacy & CS should be out to launch in 18-19. Along w/those is a companion website w/resources tied to the standards. Additionally, training. We need to prepare teachers at every grade level to integrated CS. Other states also dev stds #ALedchat
A3: Huntsville is now a “hot spot” for STEM jobs. Recently named having more than Silicon Valley. We need to prepare our students for the local workforce. Also helps reinforce problem solving, collaboration, creativity and more. #aledchat
Model, model, let innovative people model lessons! I modeled lessons in another district a few weeks ago for those teachers. Showed them how easy it was to Teach about sequencing in reading and then move to sequencing in coding. Baby steps. #aledchat
A4: wow. LOADED question. T’s need to understand the basics of CS in order to SEE how well it can jive with all that they do. Then, it is limitless. #ALedchat
A4: beyond the digital literacy material, so integral as a basis, getting the younger students used to working with and manipulating data and (that word again) developing algorithms is integral. Plus, thinking about signal flow of info: from here to there. #aledchat
A4: Some of my districts who won CS grants are focusing on PBL.
(@PellCitySchools) which I think is a key step to true integration in these areas #ALedchat
A4: I think many teachers would be really surprised @ how many CS skills they already teach to a certain level, but they hear CS & think only in a lab setting. We have to help open their eyes to the opportunities by supporting their understanding. #ALedchat
A4: I think in elementary and early middle there should be cross curriculum standards. Starting in 7th & 8th maybe implement a discoveries type course like https://t.co/H8G2CCIMYL offers. #ALedchat
A4: I think many teachers would be really surprised @ how many CS skills they already teach to a certain level, but they hear CS & think only in a lab setting. We have to help open their eyes to the opportunities by supporting their understanding. #ALedchat
A4: Our middle school librarian is developing STEM kits to be checked out just like books for independent exploration. There are so many ways to build support for learning beyond the classroom walls. #aledchat
Just like when we had to help others understand that the "computer lab" is not something you have to go to... the computers can be integrated in the classroom. #notanevent#wayofthinking#ALedchat
We are diving into PBL. I think many will be stepping out of their comfort zone—but into real world, relevant learning experiences. Excited to see you soon!!! #aledchat
A4: Our middle school librarian is developing STEM kits to be checked out just like books for independent exploration. There are so many ways to build support for learning beyond the classroom walls. #aledchat
A5. Yes, every HS should be required to teach at least one CS class. This way every student in AL can have access to CS if they wish. Note: The T who teaches the course needs quality training @CSforAllTchrs#CSforAll#CS4alabama#ALedchat
A3 It's a great social mobiliser coming a close second to literacy and numeracy. Students who are exposed to good CS Ed are less technophobic and it is a stepping stone to pursuing a tech career ... they will most probably earn more in the long run. #ALedchat
A5: yes, absolutely. Even if they’re not going in to tech-related fields, they still learn about problem solving, collaboration, creating not just consuming, and more. Who knows, maybe they’ll fall in love with it? We need to expose our Ss to many options! #aledchat
Model, model, let innovative people model lessons! I modeled lessons in another district a few weeks ago for those teachers. Showed them how easy it was to Teach about sequencing in reading and then move to sequencing in coding. Baby steps. #aledchat
Build relationships with the teachers so they feel comfortable to learn and co-plan/teach. Show them the connections or guide them to their discovery of the connection to content. Be the support they need to be successful. #ALedchat
A4: I think many teachers would be really surprised @ how many CS skills they already teach to a certain level, but they hear CS & think only in a lab setting. We have to help open their eyes to the opportunities by supporting their understanding. #ALedchat
A5. Yes, every HS should be required to teach at least one CS class. This way every student in AL can have access to CS if they wish. Note: The T who teaches the course needs quality training @CSforAllTchrs#CSforAll#CS4alabama#ALedchat
A5-agree in principle, but until equity is addressed....too many mandates are forced already that tie the hands of educators, frustrating lots of schools and districts. #aledchat
Q5: ABSOLUTELY! We force students to learn about things that are fundamental in life. There is nothing more fundamental in our lives today than CS. They NEED a basic understanding. #ALedchat
YES! If schools are truly in the business of educating Ss and preparing them for the future, they have to offer the latest and greatest courses. #ALedchat
I love the faces in the room when I say, we are just going to shed light on what you are already doing and give it a name to point out the computational ideas found in CS that you are already doing #ALedchat
I agree! I was having lunch with my cousin who the other day who is a junior in college and a preservice teacher. She was telling me she has not been in a classroom yet that uses technology at all!!!! Seems so crazy to me! #aledchat
YES! If schools are truly in the business of educating Ss and preparing them for the future, they have to offer the latest and greatest courses. #ALedchat
A2a To have the same number of teaching hrs as any other science. I understand Maths and English are priorities, but beyond that I don't see why any other subj should be allocated more curriculum time than CS. #ALedchat
Best way to teach CS is to model it. Teachers should use tech to collaborate, communicate, present and for research. Students will see it as a productive tool. #ALedchat
A2b It's a challenging subj and we need to be honest and admit our pupils are behind with their digital literacy and fluency, we need to make up for lost time #ALEdChat
A4: too many ways to tweet! Having a teammate that “gets it” to brainstorm with helps in taking risks! We recently tied CS into a unit on area and perimeter! Requires T’s to think outside the box and take risks! Our S’s know it’s ok to fail, too! #AllAboutTheProcess#ALedchat
A5: Yes, every HS should offer at least one class.If not, how many students are being omitted from having the opportunity to explore their possible future careers?Not only a class but also some extracurricular format for those who can't fit the class into schedule. #Aledchat
A6: Keep modeling to teachers, keep presenting and collaborating, keep fighting for CS in our schools and our districts, make our classroom a room of learning in such a fun way that our students become passionate about CS. #aledchat
A6. Talk w/any & everyone who will listen. Share value #csed can have on every S. Speak w/leaders, admins, district & state peeps. Teach It!! Provide opportunities for S to do CS through anchor activities when done w/assignments on https://t.co/zABSWrLI3u#CSforAll#ALedchat
#ALedchat this chat came across my feed, and while I'm not in AL, I am a software dev and volunteer teacher/teacher trainer for CS. I'd love to chat HS CS, and if I can be a resource for anyone, let me know! #CSforAll
So I just found out that #ALedchat isn't related to talking about how tomorrow's #AlSen race has caused so much premature #ErectileDysfunction in my beleaguered and beloved state and the associated irony of #Viagra going generic today.
My bad.
A6: practice what we preach! Model! Integrate! Make it MEANINGFUL and not “fluff”!!!!! Show others it is valuable! Combine classes and Co-teach with other T’s to help them gain confidence! #ALedchat
A6: Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow so that we can pass that knowledge on to our Ss. PD, Networking, Observing as much as possible. #ALedchat
When students become passionate about something, and admins see that passion, it becomes something they can’t say NO to, and that excitement will spread. #aledchat
A6: Keep modeling to teachers, keep presenting and collaborating, keep fighting for CS in our schools and our districts, make our classroom a room of learning in such a fun way that our students become passionate about CS. #aledchat
A6: find ways to bring QUALITY PD to all, demystify CS as publically as possible, provide context and real-world applications for educators... have FUN with it. #ALedchat
A5-agree in principle, but until equity is addressed....too many mandates are forced already that tie the hands of educators, frustrating lots of schools and districts. #aledchat
A1 in our school, pretty good. 100% get to learn CS from age 11. >25% enrolled in CS at age 15. Many of our students from low-income backgrounds. In our district, very varied. There's a huge shortage of CS teachers in the UK. Not enough CS PD #ALedchat
A6: Share our knowledge of CS with others, collaborate on lessons to give more students exposure, bring additional opportunities to administrators such as in school clubs, enrichment opportunities, after school clubs, online, etc. Be willing to lead. #ALedchat
A6: Keep modeling to teachers, keep presenting and collaborating, keep fighting for CS in our schools and our districts, make our classroom a room of learning in such a fun way that our students become passionate about CS. #aledchat
A6. Talk w/any & everyone who will listen. Share value #csed can have on every S. Speak w/leaders, admins, district & state peeps. Teach It!! Provide opportunities for S to do CS through anchor activities when done w/assignments on https://t.co/zABSWrLI3u#CSforAll#ALedchat
A6: Throughout the district, educate ourselves on the opportunities available; provide resources for Ts and Ss to explore CS education; commit to offering CS education courses and experiences. #Aledchat
A6: practice what we preach! Model! Integrate! Make it MEANINGFUL and not “fluff”!!!!! Show others it is valuable! Combine classes and Co-teach with other T’s to help them gain confidence! #ALedchat
A6: Encouraging fellow teachers and give them actual lessons they can use. Teachers who are not as strong in tech often struggle if not given specific help. Have a set of lessons in your arsenal. #ALedchat
FA. Reach out to local & sate officials. Advocate for #csed stress the importance/value. Utilize ur networks, local businesses, chamber of commerce to speak to students, schools, law makers about growing demand for CS related jobs @CSforAllTchrs#CSforAll#CS4Alabama#ALedchat
Great resource for teaching a different kind of coding...using kml for google earth! Want to learn how to code kml? Google Site created to help 9th Grade Ss code Google Earth Voyager like stories using notepad++. Thx @geteachhttps://t.co/7zxyze0Wwu… #ALedchat
A6: If HSV has so many “tech jobs” that means that we are overflowing with an incredible community to partner with. If they want our students in the future, why not begin now by partnering with Schools, volunteer to teach CS or provide funding for trainings? #aledchat
FA: Goes back to those community partners being invited in to share their experitse, offer resources, and provide ongoing support in our efforts to increase CS Ed in our schools. #ALedchat
FQ: Ppl outside of education can show how valuable CS to the jobs they do...creative jobs. Partner with teachers and students to solve problems. #ALedchat
FQ: People with careers using coding and CS can be available to speak and share with teachers, leaders, and students. Some communities cannot see past their borders. #ALedchat
Late to the party today. Kimberly, AL Loving this discussion. I was just telling my Career Prep class how impt CS is in any career and even though they are MS, they should start being introduced now. I encouraged them to take CS type classes in HS during their 4yr plan #ALedchat
A6: If HSV has so many “tech jobs” that means that we are overflowing with an incredible community to partner with. If they want our students in the future, why not begin now by partnering with Schools, volunteer to teach CS or provide funding for trainings? #aledchat
FA:CS Education comes with a cost. We can be better advocates at the state level to address funding & instructional needs w/in schools to improve our opportunities. We can also forge better relationships w/corp world to help provide Ss insight into real-world benefits. #Aledchat
Thank you everyone for joining us this evening. Thank you @Jennifer_Hogan for hosting and having @CSforAllTchrs & I as guest moderators. Lots of great insight and ideas were shared. Thank you #ALEdChat community for sharing your collective minds #CSforAll
Had a child related incident that needed immediate attention. Sorry to bail on the last bit of tonight's #csed version of #aledchat. Hopefully back next week.
Thank you everyone for joining us this evening. Thank you @Jennifer_Hogan for hosting and having @CSforAllTchrs & I as guest moderators. Lots of great insight and ideas were shared. Thank you #ALEdChat community for sharing your collective minds #CSforAll
FA:CS Education comes with a cost. We can be better advocates at the state level to address funding & instructional needs w/in schools to improve our opportunities. We can also forge better relationships w/corp world to help provide Ss insight into real-world benefits. #Aledchat
#ALedchat will be taking a break until 2018 to spend much needed time with family & friends! We hope all of you do the same! Thank you for an incredible year!
Wow @Jennifer_Hogan fastest hour for sure. THANK YOU #ALedchat community for your insight and passion for education. Proud to be a part of such an amazing group of educators! shoutout to @CSforAllTchrs as well.
