Sunday, April 5, 2015
Blendspace
Over the next 3 weeks I will be updating and editing my Blendspace and the resources stored within it. Please check back throughout the rest of the course for updates and edits. My Blendspace link is below:
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Prototype
Below is my prototype for my problem of "How can Computer Science be Incorporated into the Common Core State Standards". The solution that I decided to use was using Khan Academy to produce content area projects. I used StoryboardThat to create my prototype.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Problem: How might we create a curriculum that utilizes computer science (CS) to reinforce Common Core Standards?
My problem actually arose from a discussion between my principal and I trying to figure out if it was possible to create an entire elective class built around computer science. I work at a middle school, so there is not currently a ton of curriculum out there to focus on computer science with that age group. We have hosted many Google CS First after school clubs, but those are only 8 sessions and focus on coding in Scratch. Scratch and CS First are a great place to start when exposing students to CS, but there is no way we can fill an entire semester doing that. And what about teacher buy in? How are we going to get core content teachers to support a computer science class when we already offer Gateway to Technology/Project Lead the Way and Keyboarding. Unfortunately to most teachers those are the same thing as Computer Science.
My goal is to find a way that we can not only build computer science knowledge, but use that to foster what is being taught in the classroom through Common Core Standards. We need to teach the standards, but also help create students that are prepared for future jobs and careers. No matter what career they decide on, computer science is going to impact them. Take a look at how many schools and students participated in Hour of Code this year. Clearly, we realize that computer science is crucial, but we need to realize that "one hour of code" is not going to be enough for our students.
My problem actually arose from a discussion between my principal and I trying to figure out if it was possible to create an entire elective class built around computer science. I work at a middle school, so there is not currently a ton of curriculum out there to focus on computer science with that age group. We have hosted many Google CS First after school clubs, but those are only 8 sessions and focus on coding in Scratch. Scratch and CS First are a great place to start when exposing students to CS, but there is no way we can fill an entire semester doing that. And what about teacher buy in? How are we going to get core content teachers to support a computer science class when we already offer Gateway to Technology/Project Lead the Way and Keyboarding. Unfortunately to most teachers those are the same thing as Computer Science.
My goal is to find a way that we can not only build computer science knowledge, but use that to foster what is being taught in the classroom through Common Core Standards. We need to teach the standards, but also help create students that are prepared for future jobs and careers. No matter what career they decide on, computer science is going to impact them. Take a look at how many schools and students participated in Hour of Code this year. Clearly, we realize that computer science is crucial, but we need to realize that "one hour of code" is not going to be enough for our students.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Hi Everyone!
I am excited to start this blog for my final course at Lesley University. For those of you that I have not met in previous courses, this first post is to tell you a little bit about who I am. I am an Instructional Technology Specialist at Oakbrook Middle School in Ladson, SC. We are located about 30 minutes outside of Charleston. I have been in this position for 3 years and prior to becoming and ITS I taught 6th grade Social Studies, 8th grade ELA, and 8th grade Social Studies. I do miss having my own class, but I really enjoy helping both teachers and students infuse technology into the classroom. I get my fix for having "my own" students since I help with our school Lego Robotics team and I also am about to start an all girls after school technology club called Girls in Tech. I am so excited to be able to reach middle school aged girls and help get them interested in the different avenues that technology could take them. Outside of school I live with my husband and 2 dogs (Max and Sammi). We love going outside to run, go to the park, and especially the beach!
I am excited to start this blog for my final course at Lesley University. For those of you that I have not met in previous courses, this first post is to tell you a little bit about who I am. I am an Instructional Technology Specialist at Oakbrook Middle School in Ladson, SC. We are located about 30 minutes outside of Charleston. I have been in this position for 3 years and prior to becoming and ITS I taught 6th grade Social Studies, 8th grade ELA, and 8th grade Social Studies. I do miss having my own class, but I really enjoy helping both teachers and students infuse technology into the classroom. I get my fix for having "my own" students since I help with our school Lego Robotics team and I also am about to start an all girls after school technology club called Girls in Tech. I am so excited to be able to reach middle school aged girls and help get them interested in the different avenues that technology could take them. Outside of school I live with my husband and 2 dogs (Max and Sammi). We love going outside to run, go to the park, and especially the beach!
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