Thank you for visiting #ksedchat. We welcome all educators to our chat that runs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central. Though many of our educators have their homes in Kansas, all teachers are welcome to pop in and join in on the learning.
Welcome to the #KSEDCHAT tonight!
I'm your host and if you haven't already figured it out, I'm quite passionate about our topic tonight... #ComputerScience
Let's get started by introducing ourselves! Don't forget to include #ksedchat#BringOnTheGIFS
Hello Everyone! I am hoping the kids let me hang out longer than intros tonight! I am Nick from Towanda and @circleusd375 I teach 6th grade Math and Science #ksedchat
A1 Honestly first thing to mind is old typing class from middle school. Now it’s definitely much more and can range from data collection to coding and all things in between #ksedchat
A1: Initially my mind goes straight to coding. I'm starting to see the importance of robotics and the increase in automation. Computer Science also seems to just be a way of thinking... logical problem solving. #ksedchat
A1) my mom--she was a pioneer in the 70s graduating with a computer science degree from KSU before it was really a field. Programming, coding, logical reasoning, cool stuff! #ksedchat
Miss Bush here - ready for the #ksedchat party as always... I'm ready to talk TECH!
I love coffee, wildflowers, getting lost in a good book, & rainy chilly days on my front porch rocking in my rocking chair! (Essentially I'm an old soul trapped inside a 23 year old's body.)
Carrie from usd 308, Hutchinson. I teach 1st grade. Sorry to pop in late. Random fun fact(?): I love to Tiedye— it’s my meditation, release, rejuvenation. #ksedchat
A1: When I think of Computer Science I think of learning about the history of computers! I am sure that is because I took a class in college called "Computer Science" and that is what we learned about! #ksedchat
A1: I maybe off base, but I think of computer engineering... building programs to make computers, stoplights, TV stations, cell towers, etc. to make it better in our tech world. #ksedchat
A2 Earlier than we teach it. You can teach "non-code" code speak. If this, then this - type things. You can even do this non-digital if that's your style. But you can't ignore it!!! #ksedchat
A2) preschoolers use devices, so kindergarteners can start coding. There are so many cool tools to inspire kids to think about logic and reasoning. #osmo#Scratch#ksedchat
A2 It should be taught because its literally another language (which we should also teach earlier but that is a different #ksedchat) and one that our students need to know how to speak. #ksedchat
A1: I initially think of coding, engineering and robotics!
And to be real - I also see the 'brainy' type movie characters who would be typing fast on their chunky laptops in the courtyard of their high schools, in their Yale or Harvard sweatshirts.
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A2: Why? It is inevitable that many of our current students will be creating and solving problems in our world in future careers using computer science. Age? I'm thinking Kindergarten is not too young for basic coding. #ksedchat
A2 we are currently teaching skills our students will need in 2027 (depending on grade) this means we need to help them experience new pathways and learning opportunities. Definitely feel they can start off in Kinder. You really see progress when younger grades start #ksedchat
A2) Computer science has been the future for some time and still is, and I’m willing to bet in an increasingly proportional manner. The foundations for programming can be taught at a young age in various types of games and routines. The sooner we start the better. #ksedchat
A1: I've been a computer nerd my whole life, and my dad was a computer nerd too. When I think of computer science I think of playing with a Commodore64 in our basement when I was a kid. #ksedchat
A2: Computer science courses can tap into students' interest in technology, helping them become technology innovators. This one a great video tonsipport the class in schools. https://t.co/ShzqlF92tw#ksedchat
A2: More and more jobs are popping up that have to do with computer science. We need to make sure our students are college and career ready. We need to start in elementary! #ksedchat
A2: When my daughter started kindergarten last year, she couldn't write her own name, but she could turn on the TV, find Netflix, choose the show she wanted (& it took 3 remotes). Today as a 1st grader tech time is her favorite. She knows even now that it's her future. #ksedchat
A2: Because Technology is not the future - it's the present! We live in the digital age. Almost every career field requires some sort of computer/technology aspect! I think computer science could and should be introduced as early as the primary age groups!
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A2: Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but don't computer coding languages activate the same parts of the brain as learning another language? I know some schools are starting to allow coding languages to replace language requirements. #ksedchat
A2: This is simply the future for our kids... in fact it's already here and in great demand!
Ss in preschool can be taught computer science skills and thinking w/out even touching a device. 10 years olds are building million $ apps, I want my own children learning now! #ksedchat
A2: I also think with this exposure to coding/computers/internet access there is a great avenue for conversation about the POWER/REACH of technology! Our classroom works with coding as well as running our own twitter page - @5thGWithMissB !
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A3 I really love utilizing @codeorg to allow students the ability to learn at their own pace. My class was so reluctant till they got started, now they literally can’t wait for our hour of code. #ksedchat
A3: I start off with instruction on hardware then talk about software. Mainly how fragile parts are and if I have the time crack open a case. We begin with @codeorg and @scratch talking about commands. #KSEdChat
Wow! We got some very creative family trees turned in as part of our family project for the month of September! We loved seeing all of your creations and hearing stories from students about how you worked on... https://t.co/FjkZJDf6D5
A3: My students love https://t.co/aRrgvCBwu1 & Scratch! It's a great introduction to coding! My classroom is also being introduced to robotics later this year as well, (hopefully!) We also have a student run twitter account to familiarize students with online socials! #ksedchat
A3) The only thing I have experience with is squishy circuits. They were pretty fun. It was “neat” as a one-off activity. Would have been better if it was part of a longer and broader study of circuitry and coding. #ksedchat
A3: When you are talking about hardware I LOVE @makeymakey boards. They are the most user friendly, and I've seen kids create some AMAZING projects with them. #ksedchat
You might take that concept then connect in a Raspberry Pi. They are super cheap small computers you can put together. You can even add in programming and run electrical. My brother has his aquaponics and holiday lights run off them. #ksedchat
A2: I think computer science should be taught because we don’t know what the future holds for most careers, but we can almost ensure that it will involve computers. #ksedchat
A3: My students love https://t.co/AgBdt1ZaKe and flipgrid. We have loved doing virtual field trips and the ozobot. I'm excited to break out the merge cubes with my class this month. #ksedchat
You totally could integrate it in! They could make a game based off of a book. They storyboard the plot and make it from there. I have had my students (2nd) make fairy tale games before. #ksedchat
I had kids create interactive poetry art installations with @makeymakey boards. You could also have kids create choose your own adventure stories using hyperlinks and Google Slides. I've also had kids create settings in @tinkercad. #ksedchat
In reply to
@JMacRockinRoom, @MrsJankord, @makeymakey, @tinkercad
A4: With the resources I use and the ways that I use them, any computer science i introduce are fairly sedintary and quiet. I need to find a way to get kiddos talk about what they’re learning as they learn it. #ksedchat
A4) Time--the list of "must do" and "required", yes it can be integrated and is what kids need, but it's not the program or curriculum we are using so it is pushed to the last thing to do until the check list is complete. #notmyidea#ksedchat
A4: Some people think that our students are spending too much time on the computer. We need to show them that its more than just playing video games. #ksedchat
Project Lead The Way is an American nonprofit organization that develops STEM curricula for use by US elementary, middle, and high schools. It is hands on, Project Based Learning with writing out your problems and solutions. It’s good STEM curriculum! #ksedchat
A4: Before, it was the time and fitting it in to an already tight schedule! But now our school has integrated STEM Fridays which gives us time set aside SPECIFICALLY for STEM tech! #ksedchat
A4 I have been very lucky to have awesome admin but other teachers I think feel its too hard since they don't know it how can they teach it? But resources like https://t.co/IyRofbmipI there is almost zero prep. You can facilitate the lessons without knowing the content #ksedchat
A4 PLUS if you facilitate without knowing the content and help the kids you can all learn together and they LOVE teaching you!!! There is never an age where knowing more than the teacher gets old! #ksedchat
A4: time. Trying to get littles to listen long enough to Directions to do a really cool project can be a set back. The struggle is real! #cantsitstillatsix#KSEdChat
Q5:
Have you ever participated in Hour of Code? Do you think this movement is beneficial?
If you have participated, tell us about your experience?
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A5: So my students have participated in Hour of Code in our computer lab and they love it! They are very engaged and often want to share what they've created with me. #ksedchat
A5 we try to get an hour of code a month in my classroom. We snuck one in last week when I introduced them to @codeorg looking forward to diving into more intensive learning with this tool. #ksedchat
A5 LOVE #HourofCode and have done it every year I could. Pro-tip - if planning on using https://t.co/IyRofbmipI its best to either do your hour a few weeks before or even after the national week as the site can get slow and not save kids work. #ksedchat
Well my beautiful #ksedchat family - it is time for me to leave you all to get some shut eye before the Greenbush Tech Conference tomorrow! YIPEE!
This is one excited teacher, who's going to have a hard time sleeping tonight! Goodnight y'all!
A5: I've participated in Hour of Code for years. It's such a great way for students to access coding at their own pace. It gets bigger and bigger each year. 5 years ago my Ss were fortunate to even get to video chat with Bill Gates. https://t.co/HQmipxATo5#ksedchat
A5 I am also super biased because I did the Hour of Code participation survey a few years back and won 3 @Sphero Sprk+ robots. Someone DOES win those things!!! #ksedchat
Q5:
Have you ever participated in Hour of Code? Do you think this movement is beneficial?
If you have participated, tell us about your experience?
#ksedchat
A6: Hmmmm, Twitter. And the last 2 years I have attended Podstock in Wichita. It is a great conference to learn about the latest technology and then spread the word from what you learned there! #KSEdChat
A6 I love having other teachers come see my class during coding/computer lessons/activities. I always invite others to come see how the Ss learn in these fields and activities. #ksedchat
A6: Showcase the amazing things our students are creating and doing at PT Conferences and family nights! Showcase at special school events like the Fine Arts Fair make it a STEM fair! #ksedchat
A6) I’m hoping the KS redesign movement brings in outside agencies to synergize with, including those that are tech-heavy and who can support and lead in various ways on this topic. #ksedchat
A6 Its hard and can sometimes feel like we are preaching to the choir. I always take it that if one person tries it after hearing me mention it then it was worth my time to sing its praises. #ksedchat
A6 I really want to roll out student helpers this year to help teach it to the littles........making a note on my calendar to remember this later. Too many balls in the air right now. #ksedchat
#ksedchat Sorry I missed tonight's chat! I was busy prepping for our @GreenbushESC tech conference. Can't wait to catch @mrvesco presentations tomorrow! And super excited to hear @TaraMartinEDU as the keynote speaker!