#tynkerchat Archive

The mission of #TynkerChat: Are we adequately preparing students for an unknown future? Can we, through community and sharing, make this unknown “known?” Let us lift up the conversation about making sure that when our students enter the workforce- they have the skills to thrive. #TynkerChat will be held every Monday, starting March 13th.

Monday April 2, 2018
7:00 PM EDT

drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:00 PM EDT

Welcome to this week's #TynkerChat! We're looking for ideas about how #gamification "plays" with Computer Science. Or does it? Tell us who you are and where you're from!
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:03 PM EDT

We'll be using the typical Q & A format! Join the conversation! First question in 2 min! Think on this: Is Computer Science just for gamers? Follow along on our @participate page here: https://t.co/JZuKChWjZP #Tynkerchat
DavidJLockett Apr 2 @ 7:04 PM EDT

Dave here. STEM ed. It’s time for #TynkerChat. An interesting and unique topic this week #gamification.
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:05 PM EDT

Q1 Let's narrow the idea: Computer Science often gets lumped in with #Gaming. Why is that? #TynkerChat
pcteachershs Apr 2 @ 7:06 PM EDT

Paige from snowy NJ. Missed a bunch of chats due to loss of power, glad to be back. #tynkerchat
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:07 PM EDT

Greetings @DavidJLockett! #TynkerChat Half the country is still on Spring Break, but we will not be deterred.
In reply to @DavidJLockett, @DavidJLockett
pcteachershs Apr 2 @ 7:07 PM EDT

A1: You need to know how to program in order to create video games, so non CS people think they are the same. #tynkerchat
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:07 PM EDT

Hi Paige! #TynkerChat Somehow snow missed Chicago.
In reply to @pcteachershs
DavidJLockett Apr 2 @ 7:08 PM EDT

A1. #Gamification engages #CS for SS in learning activities. #TynkerChat
pcteachershs Apr 2 @ 7:08 PM EDT

Lucky you, this is our 5th in three weeks. #tynkerchat
In reply to @drezac
Dale_Chu Apr 2 @ 7:09 PM EDT

HAPPENING NOW: @drezac leading a chat on ramifying computer science. Follow along at #tynkerchat @gotynker
DavidJLockett Apr 2 @ 7:09 PM EDT

Great! We just got back into the swing of things today! #TynkerChat
In reply to @drezac
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:09 PM EDT

A1: I have a theory. Gaming and puzzles involves logic and reasoning- two of the pillars of Computer Science.#TynkerChat
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:12 PM EDT

Q2 While Coding and Gaming seemingly go hand in hand- how do approach computer science to non-gamers? #TynkerChat
DavidJLockett Apr 2 @ 7:12 PM EDT

All with the potential to make learning more motivating and collaborative for SS. #TynkerChat
In reply to @drezac
pcteachershs Apr 2 @ 7:12 PM EDT

A1: Many admins see students on the computer, and think they are just playing games. We need to change this perception. #tynkerchat
pcteachershs Apr 2 @ 7:14 PM EDT

A2: Emphasize the 4Cs Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity. Now where in there does it list gaming. When I see my Ss play computer games I tell them to create games, not play them. #tynkerchat
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:15 PM EDT

A1: Also- logic, reasoning and problem solving go hand in hand with Social Studies, English, Art- we need to represent CS in that light as well. #TynkerChat
In reply to @pcteachershs
Dale_Chu Apr 2 @ 7:15 PM EDT

I agree, Paige. Another issue is the belief that play and serious learning are mutually exclusive. #tynkerchat
In reply to @pcteachershs
pcteachershs Apr 2 @ 7:16 PM EDT

As a core subject teacher do you want to read a book report, or play a game based on the report created by your Ss? #tynkerchat
In reply to @drezac
DavidJLockett Apr 2 @ 7:16 PM EDT

Yes that way they can see what they are producing, because they are vested in it, creating it. #tynkerchat
In reply to @pcteachershs
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:17 PM EDT

Yes- I will address the term "play" in a minute or two. #TynkerChat
In reply to @Dale_Chu, @pcteachershs
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:18 PM EDT

Q3 Is "play" a bad word in Computer Science? Does it give students the wrong idea about the kind of work that's involved? #TynkerChat
DavidJLockett Apr 2 @ 7:21 PM EDT

A3. Not at all. The “play” involves solving problems & improving solutions. #Tynkerchat
Dale_Chu Apr 2 @ 7:21 PM EDT

A3: Not at all, especially in the context of creativity and the 4Cs that @pcteachershs previously mentioned. #tynkerchat
pcteachershs Apr 2 @ 7:21 PM EDT

A3: #STEAM, #making is playing, creating, thinking outside the box. CS is just an extension. Ss say "this is hard" but playing sports is hard too. If they want to see their end results they don't mind hard. Doing a worksheet may be hard, but there is no "aha" result. #tynkerchat
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:24 PM EDT

Q4 Embracing the idea of "play" and #gamification how are Computer Science and games related? Examples? #TynkerChat
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:24 PM EDT

Q3.5 : How do you work with students who expect #CS to be "fun" but then discover that it's actually hard work? #TynkerChat
In reply to @pcteachershs
WeTeachThemSTEM Apr 2 @ 7:26 PM EDT

A3: "Play" is a wonderful word for CS Ed. Our ss need to see that challenges and critical thinking can be fun and applied in many different ways/ experiences. P.s. Sorry I'm late to #TynkerChat
Dale_Chu Apr 2 @ 7:26 PM EDT

This is why promoting a growth mindset is so important. #tynkerchat
In reply to @drezac, @pcteachershs
DavidJLockett Apr 2 @ 7:26 PM EDT

A4. Both involve specific skills and intellectual capabilities needed in a highly competitive industry. #Tynkerchat
pcteachershs Apr 2 @ 7:27 PM EDT

A3.5: Most Ss love working with others. Collaboration is a key skill to teach and #CS makes it easy. Paired programming makes it fun even when it is hard. For Ss who don't want to work with other Ss there is nothing better than working 1:1 with your teacher. #tynkerchat
In reply to @drezac
drezac - Moderator Apr 2 @ 7:30 PM EDT

Q5: Bonus question: Is gamifying your classroom the same as creating a token economy (points and tickets)? #TynkerChat