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.
#csk8 is a structured chat so questions are numbered Q1 for Question 1, Q2 for Question 2 and answers should start with A1 for the answer to Q1, A2 to answer Q2, etc.
Hello! My name is Samantha, and I am a teacher in BC. I am interested in learning more about computer science. This is my first Twitter chat, so I'm excited to learn how it works! #csk8
Q1 #csk8 The range of backgrounds is very large. Some come from schools where lots of prior experience was available, others are starting from scratch (no pun intended)
Marla, glad to see you here tonight. We're on Q1: What challenges do you face in reaching all students in your CS classes and what do you think would help you overcome them? #csk8
Q1 #csk8 As more schools offer some CS in lower grades, the range may be less extreme, but it will take a few years. We try to offer a range from basic version of an activity to open-ended exploration
I agree on this. I have been teaching CS to students for a few years now and when we get new students, it can be a challenge to help them catch up. #csk8
Wide range of abilities and experience; some students have spent tons of time on computers, while others none. Things like logging on and typing addresses in can take a long time #csk8
A1: Wide range of abilities and experience; some students have spent tons of time on computers, while others none. Things like logging on and typing addresses in can take a long time #csk8
I also agree with Mark, it makes me wonder what things will be like in a decade when abilities may start to even out (knowing that they will never actually be even, just more so than they are now) #csk8
A1: I find my physical environment challenging. I would love to be able to do more code-alongs w/students but they can't all see the display b/c of how things are positioned. Not sure how to really fix this w/the furniture & computers we have now #csk8
A1: Possible ways to overcome this - start with the basics, small group work, differentiate towards certain skills students need to learn online? Typing practice, saving, opening documents, etc. #csk8
A1: Another challenge I see is reaching students with varying levels of physical or learning abilities. For example, Sarah Brewer, one of our team members actually printed braille Scratch blocks for visually impaired kiddos #csk8
A1: I am also sometimes unaware of the needs of all of my Ss. We're a private school & Ss don't always have IEPs. This can be fixed w/better communication w/admin or the classroom teacher. #csk8
Q1 #csk8 lack of basic computer skills (I blame partly on Chromebooks) means kids can't type, can't distinguish between URL and search terms, and can't navigate file systems.
Great ! Did not know that is possible. With my language learners, I switched them to non English for the Scratch projects, in the start of the year #csk8
Interestingly, I sometimes am surprised by the IEPs etc, the students are so different in my CS class than elsewhere, I often have nothing to notice for these kids till I get the paperwork #csk8
I agree, I think starting with the basics is so important. Sometimes I assume students know how to do these things since they can do many advanced other things already (navigate websites, search for things, etc.) but cannot type or save files. Basics are important! #csk8
I do find that Ss that are problems in other classes aren't in mine for whatever reason. I don't want too much information; I'd rather not pre-judge any students. #csk8
#csk8 Q2 very excited by micro:bits including having both block-based and text-based options within same room and same hw. Makey Makey Go for younger ones.
A2: some need to be open ended, sometimes we need to let our kids fly and other times provide leveled options like other curriculum. Harder for most because they are less likely to have their own base understanding. #csk8
Finding websites/programs that allow for built in differentiation - prodigy, scratch, etc. Can go over the basics, but then students who feel they have a grasp on it can go on while you support others #csk8
A2: Student projects shouldn't end up being exactly the same, giving students choices with varying level that they can self differentiate with helps. We do this in our PD and teachers love it. Even adults want lessons that reach all of them! #csk8
A2: I think that using UBD can be a good start to planning with all students in mind. Love this https://t.co/je1vBRbxS5 w/some specific scenarios. #csk8
A2: Finding websites/programs that allow for built in differentiation - prodigy, scratch, etc. Can go over the basics, but then students who feel they have a grasp on it can go on while you support others #csk8
I actually wonder if the divide will end up being even greater and the need for differentiation will increase, not decrease as #csforall ramps up #csk8
In reply to
@LaunchCompSci, @mlmiller, @VisionsByVicky
I think if states start to "require" CS, then there will be standards and all schools should be teaching them so the divide could lessen ... but if not, then yes, I can see how it could increase. #csk8
In reply to
@DuPriestMath, @LaunchCompSci, @mlmiller
A2: I think that using UDL can be a good start to planning with all students in mind. Love this https://t.co/je1vBRbxS5 w/some specific scenarios. #csk8
Yes. Unlike a math class or some other subject, In CS many students go out and learn more on their own, and others do not and need review/ more help... the gap can get wider #csk8
In reply to
@DuPriestMath, @LaunchCompSci, @mlmiller, @VisionsByVicky
I totally agree with this and have enjoyed the results I get from kids when I give them choices... all of varying difficulty, but worth the same grade and covering the same concept. #csk8
Standards are just one small part - we will need teaches who are prepared to teach and administrators who are supportive to add those CS classes.. still a long way to go! #csk8
In reply to
@VisionsByVicky, @LaunchCompSci, @DuPriestMath, @mlmiller, @codeVirginia
Q3 #csk8 The goal of uniform achievement is misguided. I like to remind our instructors that the next Einstein or Turing might be in their class along with that nice but challenged, mainstreamed Downs kid.
A3: Start at the an open problem with minimal information and let students who are ready go ahead, then keep adding scaffolding to bring in different groups of learners. Needs practice and planning! #csk8
Totally agree! I've seen that exactly happen in too many places. Admins say "you now teach CS" but without training or support??!! I'm hoping to do my little part in this whole thing and be a resource for support... #csk8
In reply to
@teachseuss, @VisionsByVicky, @DuPriestMath, @mlmiller, @codeVirginia
A3: I struggle with this. So much of the curriculum that is available feels "over-scaffolded" to me but some students seem to need this. I also struggle with challenging students who are ahead w/o making it seem like they're just required to do more. #csk8
Good point. I always tell my students they are graded on growth, and willingness to learn and grow - not on any absolute number that applies to all students. It is actually an easy measure to assess #csk8
Some teachers need it too. When you're just starting out teaching a subject, it can be a huge relief to have structure someone else has written for you. You take away the scaffolding later if all goes well #csk8
The digital chasm could widen if states and districts don't supply enough equipment, if tech isn't properly integrated into the curriculum, and if we don't teach true digital literacy / citizenship skills. #csk8
In reply to
@VisionsByVicky, @DuPriestMath, @LaunchCompSci, @mlmiller
We share that philosophy. We encourage teachers to start on a structured curriculum then we help launch them to the next level through deeper content knowledge. Why not do the same with our kiddos? #csk8
Students who are easily frustrated, or those who just do not have the patience to re-read code/ to persist and debug.. and just want the end product.! We all have those students - we have to work harder to change their attitude #csk8
Yes, we do. I did a whole series of lessons on mindset and how struggling is good with one grade this year. We'll see if it helped as we get into more difficult things. :) #csk8
#csk8 I've shared this before but I try to award a (plastic) "bug of the day" to the S who finds, names, and fixes the most interesting bug. I keep emphasizing that bugs are good, cuz that's when you learn. No new insight if works first time.
A4: Provide written reflections, presentations, informal polls, debug exercises, and even quizzes to determine their understanding Need multiple measures to determine learning #csk8
I think #GrowthMindset is so important! I am very passionate about this topic. It's very relevant to this area because for many students, it's a struggle to learn and a new area. #csk8
In reply to
@VisionsByVicky, @Sheena1010, @mlmiller
A4: I really love that micro:bit can be coded in blocks and javascript and @codeorg CSD has the same type of thing available, too. This has been a biggie in some of my classes w/students wanting to move on from blocks & others not ready. #csk8
Q5 #csk8 I plan to share Sheena's Q4 answer ("Provide written reflections, presentations, informal polls, debug exercises, and even quizzes to determine their understanding Need multiple measures to determine learning") with colleagues and try to enrich how we do this
A5: Not mentioned in the chat but something that I've been thinking about lately. I need more anchor charts hung up in the room. I have very little wall space but need to figure out some way to have materials more readily available. #csk8
#csk8 I've shared this before but I try to award a (plastic) "bug of the day" to the S who finds, names, and fixes the most interesting bug. I keep emphasizing that bugs are good, cuz that's when you learn. No new insight if works first time.
Even if something wasn't mentioned, what is one thing that you think you want to try to implement to help differentiate learning in your CS classes? #csk8
Maria I like that . .. I think completely different CS units can help reach different students. It is hard to provide variety and give up on depth in the CS lessons, but sometimes changing tools etc can make the difference to some student #csk8
