#NHCSchat Archive
#NHCSchat is a monthly twitter chat for, about and by educators in New Hanover County, North Carolina. #NHCSchat is an opportunity for teachers, administrators and other educators in southeastern NC to grow and develop their personal learning network (PLN) by connecting to other educators in our district and around the world. This monthly chat will create a forum for NHCS educators to gather virtually around the common interest of providing the best possible learning experience for students in our district. Chat topics will vary but will focus on best practices for teaching and learning in the digital age and will be moderated primarily by NHCS educators.
Wednesday April 13, 2016
So glad you are with us tonight! Our co-hosts are from Castle Hayne Elem and from Trask Middle
Thanks for joining us for ! Tonight’s topic is: "Unlocking Code for Teachers and Students!”
Please tell us a little about yourself. Share your name, your school, grade & what you teach. Don’t forget to use the hashtag !
Hi! I’m Jennifer: Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist/Lead School Library Media Coordinator/Chief Mischief Maker here in NHCS!
Hi everyone! I’m Lisa, SLMC @ . I taught 2nd grade for 8 years, and have been a librarian for 8 years.
Hello all! Looking forward to a great chat. LaChawn Smith,Assistant Sup for NHCS
Yay! Glad to see you here !
We will be following the Q1, A1 format for tonight’s . Get ready! Our first question is coming up!
And full disclosure - one of the great things about an online chat vs in person is I can't share my flu with you tonight
Hi everyone! I'm Jeannie Timken. Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist with NHCS
A1: My early exps with code were in academic settings. Simple programming as an S in HS and then HTML related in grad school.
A1. I became interested after reading about the Hour of Code global movement. I found a teacher who was willing to try it with me.
A1. Back in the day, and I taught my MS ELA Ss basic HTML so they could jazz up their webpages! Ss taught US stuff!
A1: I only had one college course in Comp Science. Dabbled a bit in HTML back in the day building webpages
A1 None but interested in learning more. Have read a lot about the need and benefits.
A1. I’ve used coding w/MS and Elem Ss to teach match concepts and as a storytelling element. Great way to teach linear thinking.
A1 be a problem solver. I suck at coding but I know how to ask good problem solving questions
Interesting to use it for storytelling
I graduated from college on a Word Processor.
A1 I have taken a full plunge into coding with my students this year
I co-learn in a class based on coding and we fumble our way through the it
What are somethings your students have achieved?
Question 2 will be up in just 1 minute!
LOVE this explanation! Co-learning is definitely a good way to phrase teaching coding! https://t.co/m8YkOChpPy
I co-learn in a class based on coding and we fumble our way through the it
- some have programmed their own games (flappy bird) - completing puzzles + problems make them feel success
A1 No experience w/coding before I became a media specialist. My students love Hour of Code. I love watching them help each other.
Interesting. What has been the response/discussion with other teachers at your school?
A2: Let go of the idea that the T has to control everything. Failure is ok - giving up is not. Learn with the Ss!
A2. Coding w/kids can be unpredictable and messy. But be flexible & open to the possibilities! You’ll be glad you did!
Love it! Learning together is AWEsome! PS: glad to have you join us! https://t.co/ls86BBzpFf
A1 No experience w/coding before I became a media specialist. My students love Hour of Code. I love watching them help each other.
A2 know that it won't go smoothly the first couple of times. That is just failing forward
A2: Time is a HUGE obstacle as some instruction is needed for Ss. Emphasize the basics and let them move at their own pace.
A2. Tech can sometimes fail! Have a plan B & think about analog ways to teach the skill if the tech doesn’t play along.
A2. Can't speak from experience regarding coding but with other initiatives accountability partners work great.
I think a lot of "unsuredness"-not understanding; It can look a lot like playing instead of what it is - programming
We have to build a culture the better embraces risk taking.
YES! Failure=valuable part of learning! Coding teaches problem solving/resilience thru meaningful failure. https://t.co/5DPl7tJgnr
A2: Let go of the idea that the T has to control everything. Failure is ok - giving up is not. Learn with the Ss!
Who’s ready for Question 3?
I'm Karen school librarian from Bellamy Elementary. Looking forward to sharing more about coding.
A2 Start simple w/paper & pencil show them what coding is & how it works, then move to computer. Unplugged lessons on
Have to ensure that parents and administrators are educated as well to what is taking place.
Agreed. Coding helps us show kids that often the process is as (more?) important than the product. https://t.co/lKqQnomTZb
So true! We learn from our mistakes.
https://t.co/QQG0hmb9ru
A2: Let go of the idea that the T has to control everything. Failure is ok - giving up is not. Learn with the Ss!
Woo hoo! Bellamy in the house! https://t.co/TEcYCFO3qM
I'm Karen school librarian from Bellamy Elementary. Looking forward to sharing more about coding.
Yes! Unplugged lessons are some of the hardest, most meaningful activities! https://t.co/mDozAtV6so
A2 Start simple w/paper & pencil show them what coding is & how it works, then move to computer. Unplugged lessons on
A2 -if we look at our experiences from A1 - many teachers do not feel comfortable getting into something they are unfamiliar with
A3: I like to start with Blockly Games. has similarly structured lessons. is a great app for Ss to use.
Yep! We’re going to talk more about analog coding as continues! https://t.co/cZWdGW7eFj
Yes! Unplugged lessons are some of the hardest, most meaningful activities! https://t.co/mDozAtV6so
A2 Start simple w/paper & pencil show them what coding is & how it works, then move to computer. Unplugged lessons on
A3. There so many gr8 apps out there for teaching coding. My faves include and ! Accessible for all!
A3. There’s no better place to get started than https://t.co/NsOUPzjnc2 . Their lessons/supplemental materials are 2nd to none!
I like that term: "failing forward"
A2 Students tend to be determined to continue to code more. They tend to look to peers for answers because to them it's a game.
There’s a small but might group of us participating in tonight, but what we lack in numbers, we’re making up for in AWEsome!
glad to be joining the group.
There’s a small but mighty group of us participating in tonight, but what we lack in numbers, we’re making up for in AWEsome!
- I can not tell you how much a student's face light up when they are successful with coding challenges in my room
A4. https://t.co/jbr8OXc6Oa Ss instruct each other to color squares on graph paper in an effort to reproduce an existing picture.
Would love to come and observe. https://t.co/Y0gelpeSlg
- I can not tell you how much a student's face light up when they are successful with coding challenges in my room
A4: Coding unplugged activites can be found and - challenging yet helpful for Ss to see how detailed coding is.
We’ll be working w/ soon on coding w/kids in math. We’ll invite you!
A4 for K-1 who may not be ready, we make game boards and have them code out solutions
A4: has a lesson plan for the Floors app. Guide Ss through creating a video game on paper before using tech.
Thanks! Looking forward to it. https://t.co/2pNxSvmmN3
We’ll be working w/ soon on coding w/kids in math. We’ll invite you!
u are welcome any time. I never have my camera ready for their "Success Face" but it is a true joy in teaching
A4: Unplugged lessons on Hour of Code. My 1st graders really had fun. I had them "code" each other. They had so much fun.
The week of the 25th. Let us know your availability.
Bee Bots are another great resource for K-1. I just need to get to get some for https://t.co/nFkfvrCjKm
A4 for K-1 who may not be ready, we make game boards and have them code out solutions
Thanks! https://t.co/F3ypVh3KUY
u are welcome any time. I never have my camera ready for their "Success Face" but it is a true joy in teaching
Just one minute until Question 5!
Jill Larson - AP@ Williston. Just observing the chat! 😀
I love Bee Bots I am going to try to write a grant for some.
Or a corporate sponsor. https://t.co/WlVHQOUH9Z
Bee Bots are another great resource for K-1. I just need to get to get some for https://t.co/nFkfvrCjKm
A4 for K-1 who may not be ready, we make game boards and have them code out solutions
A5. Ss are increasing their problem solving skills and learning the language that computers understand.
A5: They learn to try again! Success isn't easily attained! Ss learn to think and revise strategies.
A5 Critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration.
A5: Coding and programming is about problem solving and critical thinking.
A5. Sure their abilities to problem solve, work collaboratively, receive and respond to feedback go off the chart while coding
...real world skills https://t.co/zCyLQSJtPa
A5: Coding and programming is about problem solving and critical thinking.
Thank goodness for square tile floors in classrooms
A5 With coding comes the need to keep trying and working on a problem. Perseverance and observation skills are also taught.
A4 also love dash and dot and easily scaffold up to
A6: I can see many uses in the math classroom working on sequencing and algebra
A6 why would coding be an extra activity? That is the wrong mindset. It is another tool in your belt
A6 Have Ss create games that involve coding to teach the skill. Maybe like a board of some sort. they have to code to reach info.
We have to change some mindsets! https://t.co/VJTSezzDv4
A6 why would coding be an extra activity? That is the wrong mindset. It is another tool in your belt
Coding can help with spatial and sequencing skills in art, music, sports, and even cooking!
A6 For history studying the maps of a battle create a coding scenario of the battle scenes. To show how the troops advanced.
I had an OT/PT want to use to help students develop fine/gross motor skills
Great idea! https://t.co/cy3mOrZP8k
A6 For history studying the maps of a battle create a coding scenario of the battle scenes. To show how the troops advanced.
My son has a couple of PC games that do this, never thought that he was coding. https://t.co/TjUZG88xdf
A6 For history studying the maps of a battle create a coding scenario of the battle scenes. To show how the troops advanced.
Almost time for Question 7!
A6 One of our tech club students used Scratch to create a basic narrative of the Revolutionary War.
A6: Coding might just be the hook that engages a student in a lesson
Or the reason the come to school. https://t.co/jf2Yl9sOZA
A6: Coding might just be the hook that engages a student in a lesson
I used with life skills students, worked like magic..Great for fine motor skills.
A7: I like that Blockly and the activities show the connection/translation to JavaScript.
A7: Super important! # of jobs that require Java is largest among programming langs. Ave. salary for a developer - around $70K
A7: Great thing about Ss learning Blockly is that it transitions well for tools like Sphero, Tickle
This also! https://t.co/CZvbG8zfhO
A7: I like that Blockly and the activities show the connection/translation to JavaScript.
I can’t wait to play w/ at ! https://t.co/qnn7Qf8B4q
I used with life skills students, worked like magic..Great for fine motor skills.
A7 My goal is to teach the K - 3rd graders with these and then have the 4th/5th move to the advanced ones.
A7: Teaching HTML and CSS can be done as students create content have a need to embed it in a blog or website/ePortfolio.
A7: (the edu version) looks promising...many Ss want to design their own apps!
Another great thing about many of https://t.co/VHw7GOTSYg lessons is a product that you can share/showcase https://t.co/dvp34D8K9t
A7: Teaching HTML and CSS can be done as students create content have a need to embed it in a blog or website/ePortfolio.
Hey guys, better late than never. Jessica Scharff instructional Tech Facilitator at Trask Middle
Malinda, Instructional Coach at Parsley - no experience with coding but willing to "test" the water
Okay! are you ready for Question 8?
Well… well… well. The other half of Team Trask is finally here! ;-) https://t.co/6QSZpnv2dz
Hey guys, better late than never. Jessica Scharff instructional Tech Facilitator at Trask Middle
We are glad you are here! So many great resources being shared! https://t.co/z5mxwdQrID
Malinda, Instructional Coach at Parsley - no experience with coding but willing to "test" the water
A8: I love - GREAT resources at the SPRK site.
A8: As we come across ideas for using Spheros on Twitter or in conversations with Ts, we put them here: https://t.co/smbceZue5A
A8 Sphero! Ss love to drive, but also Apps like Tickle make it possible for Ss to bring their code to life.
My first time able to join the chat live b/c Wed nights busy. Gretchen Parker media spec @ eaton
No worries. I am a novice too and learning a lot. https://t.co/h36iFprXkT
Malinda, Instructional Coach at Parsley - no experience with coding but willing to "test" the water
A8: Robots make the programming and problem solving tangible, not just success on a screen
my kindergartners a love hour of code. We are just getting started. Thank goodness for our tech fac.
At first I was like YES, then I got nervous. When I finally saw it in action I was thrilled!
Hi there! Glad you could make it.
https://t.co/Y8XymUorxG
My first time able to join the chat live b/c Wed nights busy. Gretchen Parker media spec @ eaton
Forgot to mention: now that all Ss at know how to code, other Ts can use it as an anchor station in the classroom
Exactly! Use your specialists. https://t.co/o7FI09mbZX
my kindergartners a love hour of code. We are just getting started. Thank goodness for our tech fac.
Woo hoo! Glad you are here! https://t.co/cOgyJF3OVJ
My first time able to join the chat live b/c Wed nights busy. Gretchen Parker media spec @ eaton
Question 9 is just around the corner!
Yay! Teaching students to code early is a plus! https://t.co/KeSfAliDyf
my kindergartners a love hour of code. We are just getting started. Thank goodness for our tech fac.
Such a great fit! It's all about choice. https://t.co/vxgFav84sq
Forgot to mention: now that all Ss at know how to code, other Ts can use it as an anchor station in the classroom
A8: The robots hook students who never saw themselves as coders.
Kim Guthrie WBS. having tech diff! Coding is the language of the now And future. Problem solving. Crit thinking. Imperative!!
It is like learning any new language the younger you start the better. .
A8: Leake uses some interesting tools with his PLTW class. I'll have to ask him what he uses
Glad to see you here tonight. Thanks for joining us! https://t.co/8hbdj4d4sU
A8: The robots hook students who never saw themselves as coders.
A9: An abundance of awesome is out there! Check out and for inspiration!
. Kindergarten is a special animal bit we are speaking THeIr language now. Station small. Later grades will build on.
We have a few students who use . I was trained on SPRK last week.
hoping more coding will be at tech institute this summer!!?? I would like to see whys how's and where. More. 👍☺️😎
I know some people who would be good at that! Hint Hint: :) https://t.co/bDZcsX6rPI
hoping more coding will be at tech institute this summer!!?? I would like to see whys how's and where. More. 👍☺️😎
Look out also for CESTEM at UNCW to offer courses on coding
Hard to believe it is already time for our last question.
= Fastest hour on the internet.
Great things are done by great minds in PLTW @ Trask
Because learning doesn't stop when school is out - WILL continue over the summer...and we want to hear your topic ideas!
I'm a huge Star Wars fan, and I worked with Ss on coding a mini Star Wars game.
A10: What differentiation is and what it is not.
Are you interested in cohosting such a chat? https://t.co/mExiIxziUE
A10: What differentiation is and what it is not.
I'm not an expert...but I would like to hear what other educators are doing that works
So glad you could join us for Hope you will join us next time!
A10. Any resources for K. Tech. And other always! Games. Vid resources. Go K!!
Thank you all for participating and for all you do for the students and teachers of
It was a blast co-moderating with ; thx to + for helping with setup;
A10: Problem based learning and project based learning
Thanks for a great chat. Sorry, I did not have much to add in terms of resources but I have a lot of takeaways! !
That's what it's all about! https://t.co/hfwYy6EWdn
Thanks for a great chat. Sorry, I did not have much to add in terms of resources but I have a lot of takeaways! !
We missed having you here in person, but thanks for all you added to this worthy discussion! https://t.co/dAjifud68Y
It was a blast co-moderating with ; thx to + for helping with setup;
Thanks for being a great facilitator!
