I'm a former science teacher in ASD, and was a business ed teacher in the computer lab for middle school for 12 years. Lengthy and remarkably unprofitable history in programming and computers.
Currently on the ASD Board.
#akedchat
A1: I also think that if everyone tries a little, we get to show kids our curiosity and vulnerability, and representation across the curriculum. #akedchat
A1: Students need to see how coding impacts our world. We need to show our thinking and not be afraid to try new things. I also love student led evenings where students showcase / teach / play with coding alongside community and parents.
A1: starting Ss early with logical thinking pre-coding activities, moving into game-like apps that support advancing the complexity of thought, al building towards programming languages by high school. #akedchat
I do think the concept of mathematical models is probably under-taught in K-12. The broad concept could be introduced in elementary, I think.
The use of models is one of the things that makes computers useful.
#akedchat
A1: Also, not everyone needs to learn to code, but all can benefit from the thought patterns it fosters. I don't personally care about learning to code for my own self, but I can definitely use that way of systematic thinking about organization and planning ahead. #akedchat
A2: @ACSAASDN is our regional @codeorg partner and is doing great work expanding teacher PD opportunities for computer science in Alaska @CSforAK#akedchat
In reply to
@AlaskaDEED, @ACSAASDN, @codeorg, @CSforAK
Well shucks if @Dana574club is going to call me out like that I guess I can join #akedchat tonight! Allison, gr 5-7 Writing/SS/Coding/DigMedia Teacher in the ‘banks! @AlaskaDEED
A3: @scratch seems like the heavyweight here for k-8 Ss. I just downloaded @codesparkapp and the CodeKarts app for my 4 year old to his new Christmas iPad; anxious to see how that goes for him. #akedchat
A1: Teachers HAVE TO be able to learn right along side students. Coding never has an answer key because the possibilities are endless. Let go of the notion that you have all the answers, open up a laptop, sit at a student table and dive in. #akedchat
A3: I’ve observed many teachers having success using sphero https://t.co/EbYt9N1QuN in their classrooms...both ELP and resource rooms. Highly engaging. #akedchat
A2: There are so many ways to guide yourself through coding activities these days, even if your background is not in CS. Teachers should find a tool that they vibe with and explore. #akedchat
I do think we have to make sure they understand why people go to the trouble. It's not just to make a computer do it. It's not just for the heck of it.
#akedchat
#akedchat#aklearns#AlaskaWeekOfCode I’m in middle of planning parent night @my school (Homestead Elementary) but we’re closed temporarily due to EQ damage. Worried I’ll miss #Hourofcode completely. Staff know nothing of it except 4th gr tchrs who do Energy & Computer Sci kit
#akedchat A5: AK students can take advantage of the opportunity to join the fastest growing employment opportunity when teachers take advantage of all the resources that will support the students in this opportunity.
A5: This one is huge for me... I truly believe we have a huge workforce of Alaskan youth who could choose to stay rural AND have employment options. We just have to keep pushing for increased #broadband access around the state to support these opportunities. #akedchat
A6: Infustructure for starters. Students need access. Global warming is a certain problem needing solving. Giving our students the freedom and power to think about solving the problems of the future may be a start? #akedchat#aklearns#AlaskaWeekOfCode
Exactly. Believe it or not we have schools in Fairbanks that still have connectivity issues...as well as families. It’s a real equity issue. #akedchat#aklearns#AlaskaWeekOfCode
In reply to
@MGundersonAK, @saminjuneau, @AlaskaDEED
a4 #akedchat we have teachers bringing classes to the library for Hour of Code, then supplemental activities like @Ozobot Evo and more. I saw 66 different students for a total of 92 hours of coding activities today! More coming tomorrow.
#akedchat A7: We need to be intentional about raising our own awareness, as teachers, of the many aspects of influence computers science has on our lives. Seek out info. Read articles. Listen to podcasts. Learn from our students. Then we can be open to changes that need to happen
A6: Certainly more dedicated PD would help. However, coding needs to be approachable if we want it to stick with teachers. They don’t need an expert and 40 slides. They need time to #PLEARN!!! #akedchat#aklearns#AlaskaWeekOfCode
A5 #AkEdChat students need to fully realize the opportunities and buy in to the prep skills needed to get them there. Connections that make it personal to them matter.
