Computer Science for All

In a time when it is hard to be excited about what you see on the news, Monday was an exciting day!

The White House is expanding access to Computer Science education by committing $200 million per year in America's schools.

I support Code.org's vision:
"Our vision is that every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science, just like biology, chemistry or algebra. "

I support Kodable's goal:
"Helping teachers and parents teach computer science to tomorrow’s innovators."

I support Wonder Workshop's mission:
"to bring learning and laughter to children around the world."

You can find more information about Computer Science education by going to Twitter and searching #CSforALL or check out this Social Screen

Here are articles with more information

•  Trump wants the Department of Education to commit $200 million per year to computer science education - TechCrunch
• Trump signs $200 million memo boosting computer science education in schools - Washington Examiner 
• Expanding Access to High Quality STEM and Computer Science Education Provides More Pathways to Good Jobs - The White House
• $200 million a year for computer science - Code.org

Without a Net

Tonight, I plan to watch Without A Net.

It is introduced as:

"At a time when American students from economically deprived schools are often ill-prepared for the global, digital economy, Without a Net explores how technology can provide opportunities for learning and can help level the playing field.  "

The preview video starts with a student showing how they use code and robots in school and then cuts to another student who shares how she doesn't think that she will use technology in her classroom.

I am interested to see how schools across the national handle access to technology. Not only the access but the use. Just because a student has access to technology, doesn't mean that it is going to provide them with the opportunities that will prepare them for the digital economy and their future.

Here the link to learn more about 

Without a Net

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/without-a-net/ 

Code.org Workshops!

Click here to learn about Summer 2018 Professional Learning opportunities

 

Getting Ready for Your Code.org CS Fundamentals Workshop

When I lead code.org workshops, I bring with robots and other tools to help teach Computational Thinking (CT). In order to have more time to work with these tools, you could complete 10 puzzles in Code Studio ahead of time.

Here are some videos to help you get started:

Creating a Teacher account in Code.org


Completing 10 puzzles in Code Studio

You could complete 10 puzzles in any of the courses A-F.
Go to the following link to choose the course that is best for you.

https://code.org/educate/curriculum/elementary-school 

In this example, there are seven puzzles complete. You can see that the puzzles are complete because the shapes are filled in with a solid green color.

Shorten URL for this post to share with others
goo.gl/VCeA48

Summer Updates

Scratch Day 7/28/17

Join us for our first Scratch Day in central Minnesota! 

Have you used Scratch or just starting to dabble in it? We want you to come and share your experiences and learn with others!

We will follow the feel of an EdCamp, unconference! In the morning we will plan the sessions. You get to pick what you want to learn about!

When: Friday, July 28
Where: Henrietta Academic Building 37 College Avenue South Saint Joseph, MN 56374
Cost:FREE

Click here to register

If you have any questions, please ask! 

kalthoff@pd.code.org

Summer Professional Development

Summer Professional Development

Here are a few opportunities for summer professional development that I plan to attend.

• May 16 Coding in the Classroom Summit
• June 14 EdCampMidMN
• June 14 & 15 iPadPalooza MN
• June 26 & 27 DevX Computer Science K-8 Teacher PD Contact Erin (etwamley@devxpd.org) with questions

• July 31- August 3 Best Prep Technology Integration Workshop
• August 10 & 11 Tech Splash

With all of these professional development opportunities, you will need a way to organize your hours, requirements, and certificates of attendance. Check out www.ermarie.com to keep your information safe!