#FLedchat is a virtual meeting place using Twitter. Educators across the state of Florida come together on Wednesdays at 8pm EST to discuss the topics of the week.
A1. I'm Michelle, Media Specialist from Daytona Beach. I would say that I am a solid 3 in my comfort with computer science--pushing toward the 5! #fledchat
It's corey from Florida, former teacher, curriculum specialist, and now with @SAFARIMontage and even thought I work in #edtech could never give myself a 5 #FLedChat
It's corey from Florida, former teacher, curriculum specialist, and now with @SAFARIMontage and even thought I work in #edtech could never give myself a 5 #FLedChat
It's corey from Florida, former teacher, curriculum specialist, and now with @SAFARIMontage and even thought I work in #edtech could never give myself a 5 #FLedChat
It's corey from Florida, former teacher, curriculum specialist, and now with @SAFARIMontage and even thought I work in #edtech could never give myself a 5 #FLedChat
A2: Well I like to think of computer Science as the how and why of things, rather than simply the what of things. Its deeper learning experiences. #fledchat
A2. Students need to be able to use computers, tablets, phones for more than just passive consumption of web content. They need to be comfortable enough to use tech to create content. #fledchat
Computer Science is the study of computers. This includes everything from how the packets travel from one device to another to how the "interwebs" actually interact to how the apps work. It's so much more than just coding. #FLedChat
A3: While it is good to know how things work, there will always be a portion of society that just wants it to work. That means there will be a huge need for people that can keep it all running. #FLedChat
A3. Just saw my typo on this Q! UGH! Again, I go back to Ss being able to use computers to create--and maybe solve some of the world's problems. #fledchat
Computer Science isn't the educational magic bullet. It is just one of the many avenues we have to provide Ss with fields of study they enjoy. The more choices our students have, the better. #FLedChat
A3: Tools in the shed are of no use until in one's hands. Clearly we are working to develop critical thinking problem solvers who can think computationally, ongoing. #fledchat
not everyone is going to be a computer scientist ... we may be in the process of swinging the pendulum to far ... a bit like the heavy focus on math now ... does every kid really need Alg 2/Calculus #fledchat
Comp science makes what we see as complex and intimidating into child’s play. It gives them a foundation to build upon and create the tech we haven’t even imagined yet. #fledchat
A3: The majority of technology related jobs students will have in the future don’t yet exist; therefore, ensuring students receive “21st century” skills is both vital and challenging. #fledchat
I would just like them to be able to use an actual ruler ... all this focus on critical thinking and math, but 90% of my kids can't use a ruler. #fledchat
I agree. We can't sacrifice basic skills for "21st century" learning. If we can't complete a task manually, how will we ever be able to understand it electronically? Balance is needed. #FLedChat
A4: Sadly, not every school has deeper learning opportunities. I'm thankful to be a CS teacher. But there aren't as many of us as there needs to be. #FLedChat
totally agree! Maybe we should start with teachers ... i need one of those thingies that plug into the wall so that thing on the ceiling show the picture on the screen. #fledchat
A4: While some growth I have witnessed, not much overall. So many other things are prioritized as more important. Also wide understanding is limited too. #fledchat
This is exactly what my @FETC Poster session is about in January. There are so many ways to transition beyond Hour of Code. HoC is only an introduction to see if there is an interest. #FLedChat
Flagler is on the ball! I think it should be infused into the school day more consistently...the skills over the activities but the activities with the skills. If that makes sense. #fledchat
A5: It's challenging for students to want to tweak and redo and fix and fix again, but I talk it up..and try to convince them of the benefit. #fledchat
A4: Some schools offer amazing computer science courses and programs, but these are often high achieving, and or, affluent populations. Title 1, priority or urban schools often feel pressure to increase achievement instead of expanding computer related offerings. #fledchat
A5. Project Based Learning? Genius Hour? Or, some of the building projects like those that @DennisDill and @nathan_stevens do? Hands-on and creative would help. #fledchat
This is another great point, so glad you mentioned this. And it can't be said that increasing achievement isn't important either. I just wonder though..how can there be a bridge of the two... #fledchat
A5: Here’s an article about a school near me who uses coding to teach other subjects like foreign language. Huge undertaking, but it can be done. #FLedChathttps://t.co/vDDBYpScGq
A6. because sometimes you need to work things out physically before clicking the mouse. That's how we get the Angry Bird to the Evil Pig in kindergarten. #fledchat
A6: I say yes all the way. I believe that it will help solidify the tech. Example I did in class: Student guides another student who is blindfolded to come there they are in a few steps as possible. #fledchat The skill first.
A6: This is a must! Offline activities let students truly understand how to solve the problems. Online activities let students show their learning. The two work well together. #FLedChat
There are districts that still aren't fully connected. Still have districts without 1-1 or byod programs. Until access is universal there are still reasons for schools to not have tech as priority. #FLedChat
We have to consider all of education, not just those here. Problem solving means different things to different people. Many Ts still consider problem solving to be a 2 part question rather than getting messy with real, hands on problems #FLedchat
A7. I'm hosting A Night of Code to introduce my families to the ideas behind computer science. A little food, a little talk, plus unplugged and wired activities. Let them see what is happening. #fledchat
A7: The skill of the experience over the product. If the skills are there then the products can be produced. Did a Social Media Boot Camp recently for 2nd time. All Tech and Non-Tech ideas considered. #fledchat
