#whatisschool is an award winning edchat space where people can express an unbiased response to questions about schooling, where educators have a voice in shaping the future through their experience, recommendations and interests. Join us Thursdays 7pm ET / 11pm GMT / Friday 7am SGT/WA (Perth) / Friday 9am AEDT / Friday 11am NZT.
Hello everyone. George Aiello, Tech Director from the American School of Asuncion. Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts on coding and computational thinking. #whatisschool
A1: We promote activities in our Innovation Center and have videos about it the week leading up to it outside - it has been amazing to see #whatisschool
A1: Kids usually love coding activities! As it's sometimes needed to get the teachers excited about them too. Ensuring that coding isn't a scary term but something we do every day when we use sequences #whatisschool
Good Evening #whatisschool This is my first ever twitter chat, I am currently an Agriculture Education major in WI and am excited to follow along tonight
A1. I plan on getting my students excited to code by showing them how it is the core to video games. students love video games, so if I have the resources, I could plan an activity where my students would design their own video game. #whatisschool
A1) having the fun element ( sometimes student see some tech activity also as serious academic one), student voice, teacher modeling excitement of learning and coding together #whatisschool
A1 unfortunately we haven’t gotten around to cultivating coding in our school. We have a tech ed program but our students aren’t responding too we’ll to it #whatisschool
A1: In addition to the activities in the Innovation Center, teachers have been encouraged to book time in our innovative spaces to bring their kids to code and learn - creation based activities have been the highlight #whatisschool
That's smart. Students need to know that everything isn't always so serious and that they can have fun while they learn and that mistakes are okay too. #whatisschool
A1 I am not sure if you need to cultivate St excitement but more so work on cultivating Ts excitement-so it's in leading this change Ts need to have opportunity to see purpose they also need to play with the technology-lead in ways to seeing it's relevance for Ss #whatisschool
A1: Coding is rather new for CDS, but we have many students who are interested & study on their own outside of school. They are all the advertisement we really need in a small school. #whatisschool
A1: This year I worked with the new teacher I am mentoring to create some cool coding activities that are differentiated for coders at various levels. We try to create variety, especially for the beginning coders, in hopes of sparking their interest. #whatisschool
Absolutely! Turning it from an "extra" to a main part of the learning. As a coach I am always trying to find ways to make coding relevant to the learning objectives #whatisschool
We keep hiring third party providers who don’t understand the culture of our students. Their program is templated and filled with education buzzwords: 3D printing and coding.
There’s no connection to what they’re learning in class & how it can be applied in school #whatisschool
A1: many students have been exposed to coding and/or computer science, so providing opportunities for all students to be exposed & find growth at their own pace #personalizedlearning#whatisschool
A1) we devised an easy to use hyperdoc by division to allow teachers and kids easy access to activities, as well as a slide show and video about why it’s important. In addition, we provided activities all week long in the Makerspace! #whatisschool#saisrocks
A2: I think it is all about authenticity and not relying on digital tools to code, but understanding that computational thinking is simply a precise set of instructions and should start with a consistent vocab used schoolwide #whatisschool
A2: We are about to start the journey of developing a N-12 Computational Thinking Framework at @SAISSingapore to roll out next academic year that is integrated authentically and purposefully into the curriculum - watch this space #SAISrocks#whatisschool
A1 maybe integrate coding with different subjects. Like how can students create 3D artifacts of their culture, coding and language, etc... #whatisschool
A2: Computational thinking is about thinking about process, so any lesson where something needs to be broken into steps can demonstrate computational thinking. I think making Ts & Ss aware of that is how to integrate it. #whatisschool
@teacherforest What do you think the best way for tech ed teacher to use coding would be? I am an Ag Ed major but have thought about doing the dual to tech ed as well! #whatisschool
A2) computation thinking is more of step by step problem solving. & can be taught with or without digital tools . Some real life or classroom examples are procedure writing, looking for common patterns (skip counting, palindromes, alliteration), directional words #whatisschool
A2: We use coding robots like Sphero, beebot, and Dash. One fun activity is the Dash robot "student vs teacher" large battle ship game. It teaches math coordinates and it's super fun! #whatisschool
A2 #whatisschool
We’ve been working w a number of schools on “project enable” which looks at how coding and robotics might support and empower people w disabilities. Prototypes can be basic but it creates a great sense of empathy and purpose for tech.
A1. Provide opportunities for students to try coding, most of the time, they don't want to leave the activity space. Work with tech companies to arrange visits. Students have visited Google & IBM. Invite experts to chat with students. #whatisschool
A2: One of our teachers took the out How To speech & added the component that another person had to follow the instructions exactly as they were written. It was great & it really made Ss think about process & step & exact writing... And computational thinking. #whatisschool
A2. Teaching students how to problem solve is a great way to promote computational thinking. Maybe that could be something exciting like a digital breakout or something simple like a challenging math problem. #whatisschool
#whatisschool A2: with Kinder/1st - talk alot about algorithms and everything we do is an algorithm. I have them talk about steps they do to get ready for school - then we work on our directions with a song which then brings us to using @kodable.
A2: at its core, it can be included in science, math, language, etc...for example, in language, it can be as simple as breaking down a short story or poem. Going deeper, have Ss engage in #inquiry -b/d the problem and build a solution -lots of curriculum connections #whatisschool
A2 So many authentic plans for Scratch in https://t.co/heFF1HPlYV
But many students actually enjoy solving puzzles and context is relatively easy to add! #whatisschool
Hi! Lainey from HK! My hurdle is I don’t want to take the time from a busy schedule to teach 1 class of coding to ✔️ the “hour of code” box. We just started the conversation yest. though about how we can use it with fractions. I’m excited to see where this can go! #whatisschool
Depends on who you are teaching, but try to find connections in the learning objectives. We used sequences in a book to teach how computational thinking works. We coded instructions for a stuffed animal to make it to all the settings in the book in order. #whatisschool
A2 I think that teachers really implementing into their students that they have the ability within them to solve the problem addressed to them and think on their own and work through their objectives will help support them in a way they'll notice. #whatisschool
A2 using design thinking. In my science fair classes, I’ve used design thinking to help students ideate and iterate ways on solving common problems in school or at home #whatisschool
A3: As a tech integrator, I think a lot about how I approach teachers/teach skills in classes to integrate problem-solving and other skills in what I teach. #whatisschool
HI Lainey welcome! We used coding robots called Dash to teach fractions by having kids code them to certain points on a line "the whole." You don't need robots tho...you can use people or toys! #whatisschool
A3: getting a consistent level of buy in from staff and selling the value in integrating coding to support and add value to student learning. Proving to people that it is a necessary skill in today's ever changing and complex world #whatisschool
Thanks for the insight @TanyaLeClair coding isn't something I am super familiar with. I went to a super small high school and we only had the opportunity to take an intro to websites class. #whatisschool
In reply to
@TanyaLeClair, @teacherforest, @TanyaLeClair
A3 Depending on the age of the students, they may have a hard time focusing and even sitting still, so make sure you're working hard to reach all of your students interests so each one can focus and learn to their best ability. #whatisschool
Lack of PD to help teachers integrate problem-solving and critical thinking strategies effectively. Developing student-agency can be difficult, too. #whatisschool
A2: Authenticity is crucial. A few years ago when I arrived here, I realized there was a huge need for math enrichment with upper elem. So I used coding/CT to develop a math enrichment class. The fit was easy and seamless. #whatisschool
A3: it has to be authentic - has to make sense and has to have meaning for Ss (like all learning) - what connections are Ss making? How is #inquiry and #designthinking integrated? Are Ss reflecting and refining? #whatisschool
A3: teachers might feel they HAVE to know how. But instead, know the very basics and be the questioner, the inquirer, and help students with the thinking process more than needing to feel you’re the expert. #whatisschool.
A3 If the challenge is with Ts best way to work with them is during their planning & designing of programs in order to support them in considering ways & purposes of incorporating coding across the different programs - working collaboratively with them is great PL #whatisschool
A3 doing it because it’s something new without getting Ts trained and having them go through the process correctly. There has to be buy in from everyone. Roll out shouldn’t happen because another school is already doing it. #whatisschool
A2. Computational thinking is useful for any & every field of study/work/daily task. Modelling the use of CT in every situation encourages students to adopt CT in their work. #whatisschool
#WhatIsSchool Sorry, I'm going to have to start teaching. Wanted to share our latest podcast on Getting girls into code. https://t.co/sJHHpAXdMZ Great interview by the 2 best female teachers in KL with inspirations students!
Whenever the problem is one of misconceptions, I find that introducing examples of other teachers doing it within different subjects helps. Also, anyone on your campus who is doing something with CT should be celebrated. #whatisschool
A3) during my coding days, I remember how much emphasis was given to c.thinking & creating a process diagram(shared Comp). With kids having easy access to tech now (1:1), it’s challenging to pass across the idea of why the thinking part and pen/paper is important #whatisschool
A4: I think Google's CS First program is pretty amazing! Self-paced, differentiated and can be used as much or as little as teachers want. https://t.co/7kWTXoWiM3#whatisschool
The Ss are the easiest to win over. I know the Ss who have told me they aren't good with computers, so whenever they do something, I point it out to them. "I thought you said you aren't good with computers, but look what you just did." #whatisschool
A3) challenges are taking time out of the schedule if the benefits/reasons aren’t clear. Also, some ppl are resistant to change (“we didn’t use this last year”) #whatisschool
A4. When I was in high school, my Ts encouraged us to use Kahn Academy for coding. Sometimes, during hour of code the Ts would give us extra credit assignments that related to what we were learning. It was so cool to see how every subject could be tied into code #whatisschool
Well not in my classroom, but the obvious hurdle as an Integrationist is getting teachers over their fear of the unknown, getting them up to speed and giving them the confidence to blend it into their lessons. #whatisschool
Definitely put your energy with the young ones, because as they grow up in the system, they will be expecting more computing. The system will have to meet the demand. #whatisschool
A4: I love seeing teachers like @TheRealMrHeino and @spaktorrens using apps like @hopscotch with purpose and intent in their classrooms and integrating with subjects like Mathematics - totally inspiring #whatisschool
A4: One of the favorite unplugged coding activities we do is My Robotic Friends...getting kids to code eachother. It's great for many grade levels https://t.co/5XqmDvAHrH#whatisschool
A4 This is a great source! Reusing pre-made sources made by other teachers is a great way to expand your own knowledge and see the same subject from someone else's point of view! #whatisschool
A1. Lucky to have students who are super passionate & have organised daily coding workshops for their peers. Nothing as powerful as #studentagency! Go #TechTalkers! #whatisschool
Q5: Computational thinking is important all year! How can you promote coding and computational within your school throughout the year? Maybe ASA’s, clubs, competitions, or more! #whatisschool
Q5: Computational thinking is important all year! How can you promote coding and computational within your school throughout the year? Maybe After School Activities, clubs, competitions, or more! #whatisschool
Unfortunately, I have to leave early from tonight's chat. Thanks for including me #whatisschool I've enjoyed hearing everything you have had to share and thank you for supporting my ideas as well!
A5: After school programs seem to get students the most involved from what I have found out, for a majority...the kids who are their want to be their and participate more and show investment #whatisschool
A5: By developing a well thought out, purposeful and authentic integration plan and educating teachers on what computational thinking is and where it can fit in the average K-12 classroom setting #whatisschool
A5: I love finding ways to deliver cool after-school activities featuring coding. Every year I have done them, ie. creative coding, STEAM for girls, etc they have been super popular #whatisschool
A5: By developing a well thought out, purposeful and authentic integration plan and educating teachers on what computational thinking is and where it can fit in the average K-12 classroom setting #whatisschool
A5: we are resource rich, so we have lots of opportunities for kids and teachers to check out resources for coding, as well as many CCAs for coding. We also try to incorporate into subjects. #whatisschool
Q5: Computational thinking is important all year! How can you promote coding and computational within your school throughout the year? Maybe After School Activities, clubs, competitions, or more! #whatisschool
When I am a teacher, I would like to promote coding through offering coding workshops or giving coding activities as homework, even if students don't have computers at home. Practicing code doesn't have to be all on the computer. #whatisschool
A5 If you're wanting to promote-establish a team of Ts willing to work on this- develop vision & strategy plan for 2019-review present curriculum & find ways to integrate-develop Ts PL in this area-bring in experts-organise incursions/excursions-communicate actions #whatisschool
Our current clubs are in the high school, but I have Ozbots and Parrot Drones for our elementary. Due to some scheduling problems, my after school club for coding didn't happen this season, so I will try again in spring. #whatisschool
A5: We run numerous after school activities, have a @TechspertsEDU program, run weekly competitions in the Innovation Center and more to supplement the in class learning that happens at @SAISSingapore but we know we can still do more to support teachers #SAISrocks#whatisschool
A5: We have a wonderful robotics club in MS and HS using Lego Mindstorms etc. In early years we try to start with the lego WeDo, Mindstorms, Hummingbird, and Microbit #whatisschool
#whatisschool A5: try and show teachers examples of coding by having Ss demonstrate; I also run a #GirlsWhoCode club for 4/5 so hoping they will also show their ideas and designs to their homeroom teachers.
A4) identifying and and integrating activities across all disciplines during the academic year that involve solving problems step by step, using conditions, involving repetitions and patterns, and related to real life #whatisschool
A5) identifying and and integrating activities across all disciplines during the academic year that involve solving problems step by step, using conditions, involving repetitions and patterns, and related to real life #whatisschool
Long-term goal is to build a solid base in the elementary, so that students go in to the middle school expecting coding. The HS is finally adding a computer science course next year. #whatisschool
A5) identifying and and integrating activities across all disciplines during the academic year that involve solving problems step by step, using conditions, involving repetitions and patterns, and related to real life #whatisschool
A5: We just finished our FLL Robotics season. This was amazing for me as a coach and for our Ss. This was a great way to introduce coding that was interactive and “acted out” in realistic and meaningful problem solving missions! It built a lot of excitement. #whatisschool
I have to choose my battles and get help from allies, so I'm letting the Yearbook teacher fight the green screen battle. He managed lighting equipment last year, so I know he can do it. #whatisschool
Sorry #whatisschool missed today’s chat. Getting ready for staff Christmas party to end an amazing year with the @HelenaCollege Design and Technologies team. Catch you all soon!!
A6: This week it has been inspiring to see such a range of @SAISSingapore teachers sharing their coding experiences and activities using #SAISrocks and #cognitaway - spend some time checking out the feeds and be inspired like I have been #whatisschool
A5. Weekend family workshops, friendly school codeathons (planning one for the new year, wanna join us?), Unplugged coding dance activities, Coding in the kitchen, Hackathons, In class coding hour, unit-linked coding activities, ...an infinite list! #WhatIsSchool
The more allies means the greater the penetration. #whatisschool Also means that someone can keep looking forward at new tech, new integration possibilities, etc.
Thank you everyone for such great ideas! Definitely got me thinking of how to integrate computational skills into my class! Thanks @mrkempnz@TanyaLeClair#whatisschool
Thank you @mrkempnz and @TanyaLeClair for letting me join for my first twitter chat. Not being really familiar with the topic made it interesting to hear others viewson coding in schools. #whatisschool#uwpsoe4020
I agree. It works great both ways. I have had great discussions with others in my PLN and implementation based on both something I saw someone do and something someone saw that I was doing. Twitter has become a wonderful resource for us as educators. #whatisschool
In reply to
@TanyaLeClair, @techstarteacher, @TheRealMrHeino, @ndiamond87, @spaktorrens
Helping students to see how algorithms exists everywhere. Baking cookies is a great way to demonstrate it. Easiest way to explain about loops. :) #Whatisschool
A2. Students love robots! I don't think I've met a student who doesn't love them. Using Robots as a teaching tool is a fun way to introduce codinf because students are able to see the result of their code physically. #whatisschool
A2: We use coding robots like Sphero, beebot, and Dash. One fun activity is the Dash robot "student vs teacher" large battle ship game. It teaches math coordinates and it's super fun! #whatisschool
