A1: Lots of #computerscience jobs allow rural #Alaska Ss to work from their local communities -- great for state economy and for local communities, too. #akedchat
#akedchat A1 For me it's that we have a whole new topic to bring to students in Alaska, something with huge potential for jobs, creativity, independence, empowerment...
A1.1: Plus -- w/ an average of 600 open computing jobs in the state, chances of obtaining and retaining employment is great! Awesome opportunities for #Alaskan students. #akedchat#hourofcode#AKweekofcode#codingforall
A2. One of our MS electives rotates between coding via scratch to programming in #legoleague Great learning and exposure for our 6-8th graders. #akedchat
A2: Our old "tech credit" was retired last spring b/c it was obsolete (focus on MS Word, comp basics). Board curriculum committee talked a/b adding coding as grad requirement. Now to get the digital natives ready to lead that shift. I have a lot to learn a/b coding! #akedchat
#akedchat A2 I have to to learn as well, but I love the simple idea that coding is simply the language we can use to enable computers to assist us with a solution we want...
A2.2: We offer a number of cool independent e-learning courses for Ss interested in #computerscience, but we have a long way to go in creating opps for every S to learn to #code. Looking @ #AKweekofcode as place to start w/ #hourofcode. #akedchat
A2: Our old "tech credit" was retired last spring b/c it was obsolete (focus on MS Word, comp basics). Board curriculum committee talked a/b adding coding as grad requirement. Now to get the digital natives ready to lead that shift. I have a lot to learn a/b coding! #akedchat
#akedchat A2 I have alot to learn as well, but I love the simple idea that coding is simply the language we can use to enable computers to assist us with a solution we want...
A3: Love the vision -- absolutely relevant for #21stCentury Ss prepping for #nextgen work & careers. Big question is -- are our schools ready to teach the skills our Ss will need to pursue CS jobs? Not yet in my district, anyway. But we're working on it! #akedchat#brutallyhonest
A3. Interesting.
Would we need a shift in the logistics of "doing school?"
You speak of skills...would we need a shift away from seat time and grades towards a system of skills and competencies? #akedchat
You're right @saminjuneau. New language to learn -- makes it seem more do-able. Bought my grandkids @PlayOsmo coding kit. "It's easy," says 5 YO granddaughter. Great lesson in letting Ss take the lead! #akedchat
#akedchat A2 I have alot to learn as well, but I love the simple idea that coding is simply the language we can use to enable computers to assist us with a solution we want...
As #Alaska looks at stable/growing economic opportunities for the future, #computerscience and #coding should be among focus areas. Location-agnostic = tons of opps for rural students. #akedchat
#akedchat A4 my most important student is my daughter, and seeing her sense of accomplishment and wonder as she codes a @microbit_edu is awesome. I think wonder is a skill...
#akedchat A4 my most important student is my daughter, and seeing her sense of accomplishment and wonder as she codes a @microbit_edu is awesome. I think wonder is a skill...
A4: Interesting Q, as it requires different things for different learners: For Ss, it requires opportunity to begin and figure it out, then time to practice. For Ts it requires willingness to learn, be vulnerable, not be expert in room. #akedchat#hourofcode#AKweekofcode#Coding
A5. To add something...we need to take something away. Many schools are working on tight budgets asking more and more from fewer and fewer.
We might need to change the how we doing things as well as identify the why. #akedchat
#akedchat A5 we also need to talk about how coding now applies to all areas of academics... Very few genres of thought are not being driven by coding and CS these days... Government, publishing, news, science, Healthcare, etc.. etc..
A6. Does AVTEC offer coding as part of their computer technologies program?
Can High Schools start using TVEP funds to offer students coding certifications?
#akedchat
Paired programming is also a strategy used in the industry, so that collaborative work is directly tied to potential future work environments #akedchat
A5: Ts need opps to learn #coding themselves in safe and fun environments that fit their needs. How a/b a "how to teach #coding" strand at #ASTE? Via @ACSAASDN webinar series? Summer institutes? #Microcredentials targeting cohorts of Ts? Industry incentives for schools? #akedchat
A5.2: #Coding is area where we should be tapping industry, as well. Engage #computerscience experts to serve as elbow partners for Ts and Ss as they get started. @AlaskaDEED could organize a list of CS folks willing to lend expertise! #akedchat
I've sent a few students into the IT program, but as I recall the focus is on networks (compared to programming/developing). Great program though for those wanting fast school-to-job turnaround. What is TVEP? #akedchat
A6: Educate counselors, Ls, & Ts re: scope of opportunities so they can guide "non-CS" students to field they might not otherwise choose on their own. Highlight specific careers. Make it fun! START EARLY so Ss see #coding as creative problem solving, not complex CS. #akedchat
I was not sure if AVTEC had something in the works for coding??
TVEP = the Alaska Technical Vocational Education Program. State monies. There is only one high school in the state receiving these funds. #akedchat
A7: Spread the word via parent communication, social media. Intentionally create opps for Ts to include coding activities/lessons with students throughout the week. Make time to PLAY. So many ready-to-go resources to choose from. #akedchat
