This chat includes a discussion of topics of interest to K-8 teachers who teach and/or integrate computer science.The Computer Science Teachers Association is a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science and other computing disciplines. CSTA provides opportunities for K–12 teachers and students to better understand the computing disciplines and to more successfully prepare themselves to teach and learn.
Back from #TIES17 and already used an activity with my 4th graders introduced to me by @mrskalthoff. My Ss had so much fun with the unplugged my robotic friend activity. Thanks Angie!! #TIESeducation#csk8#codeorg
A1. If I built a car. We use it to think about how we can build anything. If we built a car, what would it do? Then we program out @KinderLabRobot#kibo#csk8
A1. Rosie Rever Engineer We think about how we can create anything we can dream up. Also, how we talk to others about their creations. It's by @andreabeaty#csk8
Q2. I am a huge fan of @marinabers#csk8 Here are two of her books I have and have helped me as a K-5 technology integrationist bringing computational thinking into all classrooms!
A3 Love using cards to teach binary code. Students always want to have a tournament to see who can flip the answer over the fastest. End of year reflection they always mention this. #csk8
And, just like in music, it's good to point out that some instruments are sold as toys (dollar store whistles) but I had "real" instruments. Same should be applied for robots #csk8
I like the idea of "hard fun" but the idea of toys, to me, implies the wrong sense of "play" - it's more of the passive "play" instead of the actively engaged and learning "play" @VisionsByVicky#csk8
#csk8 Well, we probably agree more than it seems then. Yes, I don't want them to "drive the robots around by remote control" -- if that's what you mean by calling them "toys" -- unless THEY PROGRAMMED THE RC interfaces themselves, at least.
Agree with Mark here - programming is play, and will be wonderful if our kids always think of it that way. Coding is difficult, but then hard games are more fun than easy ones. #csk8
#csk8 But now I see where Bill was coming from. But many of the kids I have worked with over the years call me "Santa" partly because of my appearance and partly because I always have the most amazing (always programmable) "toys" with me. ;-) It absolutely has to be active play!
I think when we bring out robots and other toys etc - they are wonderful new exciting add ons to any CS program - a new challenge... may not ok for a whole program, but engaging for some number of classes. #csk8
#csk8 The business of children is play, but play should be about the active construction of knowledge. Passive play may be needed sometimes for a "brain rest," but active play is what we should inspire.
#csk8 A5 may need one of these. Trying to convince myself the "fun" will be hard enough first. It does appear to have 2 sensors and many motors... Jimu in case the picture is fuzzy. $100.
Careful about giving control of the drone to kids - have interesting story of one that was lost in the area by a class! I am not doing those in my classes ! #csk8
Yes I saw this at the STEAM conference this Monday - guess you did too. I like that we can control motors with this easier... am going to get on the list to try, or will just ask you #csk8
