I am Janet Avery, Curriculum Director in Jerome, and your moderator this evening! I hope everyone has had a great start to their summer break! #IDedchat
If you haven't done so already, please take a moment and introduce yourself (even if you are just lurking)....Bonus points if you include a funny picture! #IDedchat
We will use Q and A (Question and Answer) format tonight (Q1:A1)... New folks will get the hang of it - and it is OK even if you don't. Just don' forget to add the #IDedchat hashtag
A1 Computer science is more than what I thought it was. I'm just now getting a good definition in my brain. I'll have to come back to this question after this week. #idedchat
A1: I'm sure it means different things to different people. I personally apply it to coding, building, and adapting computers to personal need. Win or Apple I've actually configured a Raspberri Pi3 to show my sons blood glucose levels at all times #idedchat
@averyteach I thought it was knowing how to fix computers, code, work on programs but it's more than that. It's math, reading, code, problem solving, collaboration and so much more #idedchat
R1: Computer Science can mean many things. Is it the study of how computers work? Is it coding? Is it how we incorporate technology into schools and the workforce? Lots of meanings. #IDedchat
@averyteach I thought it was knowing how to fix computers, code, work on programs but it's more than that. It's math, reading, code, problem solving, collaboration and so much more #idedchat
R2: I would hope that it is a hands on experience for students and not “sit n git”. We want students to have skills that we can apply to any setting outside the walls of the school. #IDedchat
A2: In my level...fixing SIMPLE computer issues that you'd think would be easy to solve ... but there is only one of me s oI have to send out a team... "did you turn it off and on?" "Is it plugged in?" #idedchat
R1: Computer Science can mean many things. Is it the study of how computers work? Is it coding? Is it how we incorporate technology into schools and the workforce? Lots of meanings. #IDedchat
Computer science can be the application of skills within technology meshed with all other subjects and settings. I’d suggest building some background knowledge. #IDedchat
Computer Science IS the future. Just like emerging technology in all walks of life, jobs and our future will hinge on Computer Science. But don't think of it as a tangible area of study, but more of a MINDSET. #idedchat
I’ve been trouble shooting tech issues with our summer school the last 36 HRs. How does @CanvasLMS work? Spreadsheets and pulling data from our SMS that allow access. Reconciling data daily. Coding, formulas. 2300 Ss wanting access. #IDedchat
Instead of asking "what do you want to be when you grow up" ask "What problem do you want to solve?" Computer Science is the key way of thinking to SOLVE PROBLEMS! It is the mining/logging/medical of the future! #idedchat
I like the idea that computer science is a mindset - I think the skills needed to be successful can be found in the 4Cs and Growth Mindset principles. #IDedchat
No way. Where there is a will there is a way. Start small. Use donations, donors choose, grants, whatever it takes. You don't have to start out large scale. Beg, borrow, and steal.... well. beg and borrow anyway.... #idedchat
A1: For younger Ss it looks like a virtual/visual representation of a cause and effect toy. A2: They become the designer of what amuses them. Not passive enjoyment. #idedchat
HI Terry! So glad you are here! We are on Q 2...Q3 is coming right up. Feel free to reply to tweets that are already posted (click the chat bubble icon). #IDedchat
A3: Most jobs require some CS skills, at least the ability to interact with a computer. More importantly most jobs can be improved with knowledge of CS skills. #IDedchat
A3 My daughter will be a freshman in HS. There are jobs that she is preparing for that DON'T EXIST today. Instead of preparing for a specific job, prepare for any range of jobs within a problem solving area. Collaborate, Create, Problem Solve! #idedchat
How about a history lesson on tech? Where did DOS come from? How did @BillGates build @Microsoft from DOS? Windows v Apple? There is so much. How about @IBM and the computers used for @NASA? #IDedchat
In reply to
@averyteach, @BillGates, @Microsoft, @IBM, @NASA
A3: if we aren’t teaching these skills in ALL or classes, we are behind. Look at where tech was 10 years ago and where it is now. What will it look like in 10 more years? It’s exponential growth right now. #IDedchat
We sometimes talk about computational thinking - the ability to take a problem and break it into pieces that you can use a computer to help solve. A computer's a tool, if you understand how it works you can make it work for you. #IDedchat
We sometimes talk about computational thinking - the ability to take a problem and break it into pieces that you can use a computer to help solve. A computer's a tool, if you understand how it works you can make it work for you. #IDedchat
I can tell you what Computer Science isn't... it isn't Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint drill/kill. It isn't a keyboarding app. It is interacting and solving problems with your classmates! Skills are important, yes... but engage and dig deeper! #idedchat
An example I like are the people who are using computers to create different kinds of art: algorithms to design complex fabric patterns for example. #IDedchat
Many states and schools are hopping on the "coding" bandwagon, but in reality that way of thinking and learning has been around for decades! Sift through the fluff and let kids engage and learn! #idedchat
R4: I don’t like that it is being taught in high school. It should be taught WITH high school. A separate class is ok; but what about teaching it with physics, algebra, literature, history, art, band, FACS. Now there is POWER #IDedchat
I can tell you what Computer Science isn't... it isn't Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint drill/kill. It isn't a keyboarding app. It is interacting and solving problems with your classmates! Skills are important, yes... but engage and dig deeper! #idedchat
Very true, I'm frustrated when we get freshman who think they've taken "computer classes" but it was learning Excel or Word. On the other hand if you know Excel very well you can use it as a computing tool to solve problems. #IDedchat
Because we are in the "ISAT" "DATA" mentality instead of taking time for full engagement. We want data points and boxes to check. Instead we need relationships, passion projects, and universal digital skills! #idedchat
Have we hit a nerve my friend? :-) Coding is definitely just one piece of computer science. It is Making...creating...problem solving...and the Mathematical Practices that get closer. #IDedchat
Yes. Nerve has been hit. None of this is new. It is great... but none of it is new. We need to avoid over-packaging it. Let students fail repeatedly and explore! Making it a fad gets clicks... but we want students getting engaged! #idedchat
Yes. For example in programming classes I like to set-up models of gravity - and then can change the forces and see how things fall on other planets or reverse gravity to get buoyancy. #IDedchat
In my summer school position, we are having our students taking their coursework virtually. I have personally learned so much this week on how our LMS works. It’s incredible. Now I want to show my Ss how this stuff works. How one incorrect number can mess things up. #IDedchat
Great! I can't wait to hear about it....and I wonder how you could incorporate some of those skills in your MUSIC class as well as with your robotics club.... :-) #IDedchat
I totally get it... it is such a monumental challenge in today's "box checking" K12 society. But you can still do it. You can still make it work. It ain't easy.... #idedchat
I have seen more engagement with kids coding than many other things. I’ve seen students fail and explore. Just because it’s not new doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. #idedchat
A5 Problems that engage the students, which often means problems they can take ownership of and problems that relate to topics outside of CS. #IDedchat
A5 I have experienced this first hand. Yes it is a little bit College CS 112. Indeed. But it is also stoking the fire of creativity! Need to get students fired up about this! It has to be relevant & accessible! Heck, even music is a form of programming & CS! #idedchat
Life is a bunch of variables. Variables in technology can be manipulated to create different outcomes. Those outcomes can provide innovation. Unfortunately, our classes are taught with expected outcomes most of the time. We should take a page out of what comp sci is #IDEdchat
Totally agree. But the "hour of code" doesn't do this justice. Kids need to code real objects, code solutions, code a more efficient way of doing things.... it's a great intro... but we need to go deeper! #idedchat
I think maybe one of the nerves that was struck for me was that I was told I couldn't teach Computer Science because I wasn't secondary math qualified. This is a good general requirement... but a crappy exclusionary measure. #idedchat
I can tell you what is is: not sitting and learning a predetermined curriculum about computers. It is delving into the operation and programming. It’s how things WORK. It’s experimentation. It’s coming up with new ideas. #IDedchat
I am sure that was because they wanted to use the dual credit CS112 course as a Senior Math credit....again - not a great reason you can't teach it.... All about the HS credits #IDedchat
A6 Computational thinking - the ability to break a problem into computer sized/shaped pieces. Recognition that it's not about memorizing methods. #IDedchat
R6: here is what it isn’t—a high score on the ACT/SAT or other created standardized tests. Some of my students who did a very poor job with my graded assignments were fantastic problem solvers. Grades do not equal knowledge #IDedchat
A6 Computational thinking - the ability to break a problem into computer sized/shaped pieces. Recognition that it's not about memorizing methods. #IDedchat
Spoken like a true Curriculum Director 🤓😝😉 Yes you are probably correct. But what could be better than a K8 guy learning math WITH kids while they learned life & CS? haha. #idedchat
As a curriculum person @averyteach might not necessarily like this answer. I’d would rather have a street smart kid that knows the Ins and outs of something than a book smart kid that can’t apply their knowledge. #IDedchat
A6: Lots of math is generally a good sign. Not because so much of it used directly in CS, but because the skills seem to be similar - problem solving(?) #IDedchat
Exactly. We have become enslaved to almighty "Data" It sickens me. We need an Education Renaissance/Revival. Get back to focusing on the kids as people! The accountability experiment sucks. #idedchat
A lot of truth to this. Algorithms are legit. I'll add that CS has given me a renewed interest & understanding of math thinking. Well, that and @id_rms1 He changed my way of thinking! #idedchat
A7 Just giving teachers the freedom to let kids work through the learning process is a lost art. Letting teachers connect with students using literature, art, science, match, & PE can get them hooked! We need problem solvers! #idedchat
R7: 3D printing of parts to be used for catapults or bridges in #AP#Physics. It’s manufacturing, coding, creation, innovation, mathematical processes, history of construction. Yes, all is computer science based. #IDedchat
A7 There are lots of CS related tools that can be used at almost any grade level and for almost any subject. A good example of subjects are all of the netlogo libraries: https://t.co/yon0k75Apb#IDedchat
R7: 3D printing of parts to be used for catapults or bridges in #AP#Physics. It’s manufacturing, coding, creation, innovation, mathematical processes, history of construction. Yes, all is computer science based. #IDedchat
Our kids are so programmed to come in, sit down, learn one way, be QUIET. If they aren’t this way, they get in trouble. What if classes were organized chaos from K-12? Let Ss learn in the way they are most comfortable instead of one size fits all? #IDedchat
Yep. @GoogleForEdu#gsuiteedu leads the way in getting out of the way and letting Teachers and Students collaborate! It isn't about "Industry standards" & features. It's about processes! #idedchat
Our kids are so programmed to come in, sit down, learn one way, be QUIET. If they aren’t this way, they get in trouble. What if classes were organized chaos from K-12? Let Ss learn in the way they are most comfortable instead of one size fits all? #IDedchat
Netlogo is a bit of an odd language designed for agent based models - models with "turtles" running around and interacting. People can submit their own programs (models) to the library. There's models for physics, art, bio, social sciences, etc. #IDedchat
A8 I was in a twitter conversation with some friends about this a while back. Music was an area that kept coming up! Music is programming and coding! It has always been there... #idedchat
And when I have spoken with professors, this is NOT what they want. However, there is a disconnect between admission offices of colleges/universities and the professors in the classrooms. I don’t get it. #IDedchat
A8 We can help colleagues see this by showing them all the jobs that have been or are being replaced. Less industrial thinking... more creative, problem solving stuff. Trades too creative trades! Use your hands AND your mind! #idedchat
A8: We do a communication project to introduce App building. We watch the documentary based on our school's work then we talk about doing good. #idedchat
