This presentation begins with an introduction to various approaches to using Scratch for project-based learning; examples include backwards, inquiry-based, and emergent project designs. The second portion of this session is a Q&A with exploration of free Scratch project examples and resources that attendees can implement in their classrooms.
Read MoreIn many states across the country, districts are just beginning to implement elementary coding and computer science education initiatives; however, teachers and administrators are often unsure how to get started. While high school CS is often guided by AP or dual enrollment criteria, elementary educators are often asked to implement CS standards without guidance on how to do so or what elementary CS education could look like. This birds of a feather session provides a space for elementary educators and administrators to ask questions and share tips and tools for getting started with computer science. As a veteran educator who switched over to coding and makerspace classes from another content area, I know what it's like to feel uncertain about how to get started with CS education. In this session, I’ll facilitate discussion, ask questions, and guide attendees toward a multitude of platforms, resources, and approaches to assist them in getting started with elementary CS education.
Read MoreAbsolute beginners are invited to experience a differentiated physical computing and computer science classroom that meets learners where they are. Utilizing Scratch and micro:bits, participants will self-select into interest-based groups to begin creating a project that deepens their own understanding of physical computing and computer science education.
Read MoreLearn some strategies and considerations for developing self-efficacy in elementary CS classes through interest-driven learning.
Read MoreThis presentation begins with an introduction to various approaches to using Scratch for project-based learning; examples include backwards, inquiry-based, and emergent project designs. The second portion of this session is an interactive exploration of free Scratch project examples and resources that attendees can implement in their own elementary and middle school classrooms.
Read MoreIn many states across the country, districts are just beginning to implement elementary coding and computer science education initiatives; however, teachers and administrators are often unsure how to get started. While high school CS is often guided by AP or dual enrollment criteria, elementary educators are often asked to implement CS standards without guidance on how to do so or what elementary CS education could look like. This birds of a feather session provides a space for elementary educators and administrators to ask questions and share tips and tools for getting started with computer science. As a veteran educator who switched over to coding and makerspace classes from another content area, I know what it's like to feel uncertain about how to get started with CS education. In this session, I’ll facilitate discussion, ask questions, and guide attendees toward a multitude of platforms, resources, and approaches to assist them in getting started with elementary CS education.
Read MoreIn 2021 a specialized team at the Arizona SciTech Institute, Arizona Science Center, and Arizona State University will be starting a project to support K8 teachers. The program will be centered around computer science and computational thinking, and how they can support student learning. The project will focus on supporting educators with age-appropriate and grade relevant tools, projects, and background knowledge to support their student's 21-century skills. The project will be led by Cochise County resident and past STEM teacher, Kalman Mannis.
This session will be composed of three parts: First will be an introduction to the Arizona Computer Science Landscape project with a few minutes to get everyone using the same words; 2. Experience sample age-appropriate computer science projects (you get to play!) coached by Jared O'Leary of BootUp, 3. Debrief and next steps.
The practicals will be geared with the understanding that many schools across the county are teaching remotely. To help teachers we are going to provide attendees with free resources that enable kids to learn how to use Scratch through self-paced, interest-driven projects. This session will offer a link to hundreds of free resources that you can immediately use with remote or in-person classes. You will be able to explore free video and visual walkthroughs for developing a project in Scratch, project extensions, debugging exercises, remixing practices, reverse engineering practices, and lesson plans.
Read MoreWith many schools across the country teaching remotely, there is a need for free resources that enable kids to learn how to use Scratch through self-paced, interest-driven projects. This session explores hundreds of free resources that you can begin using with remote or in-person classes today. In particular, this session will explore free video and visual walkthroughs for developing a project in Scratch, project extensions, debugging exercises, remixing practices, reverse engineering practices, and lesson plans.
Read MoreIn many states across the United States, districts are just beginning to implement elementary coding and computer science education initiatives; however, teachers and administrators are often unsure how to get started. While high school CS is often guided by AP or dual enrollment criteria, elementary educators are often asked to implement CS standards without guidance on how to do so or what elementary CS education could look like. This birds of a feather session provides a space for elementary educators and administrators to ask questions and share tips and tools for getting started with computer science. As a veteran educator who switched over to coding and makerspace classes from another content area, I know what it's like to feel uncertain about how to get started with CS education. My role in this session is to facilitate discussion, ask questions, and guide attendees toward a multitude of platforms, resources, and approaches to assist them in getting started with elementary CS education.
Read MoreThis presentation begins with an introduction to various approaches of project-based learning with Scratch; for example, backwards, inquiry-based, and emergent project designs. The second portion of this session is an interactive exploration of free Scratch project examples and resources I have developed.
The purpose of this session is twofold: a) provide an introduction to different types of project-based learning (e.g., backwards, inquiry-based, and emergent design) and how they lie on the project continuum (i.e., fixed, flexible, or open), and b) to give time to allow attendees to explore the free project-based resources I have created for Scratch. Everyone will walk away with dozens of lesson plans and resources to get them started with project-based learning with Scratch.
Read MoreIn Arizona (and many other states), districts are just getting started with elementary coding and CS education initiatives; however, teachers and administrators are often unsure where to get started. While high school CS is often guided by AP or dual enrollment criteria, elementary educators are often asked to implement CS standards without guidance on how or what elementary CS education could look like. This Birds of a Feather session intends to provide a space for elementary educators and administrators to ask questions as well as share tips and tools for getting started with computer science.
Read MoreThis presentation begins with an introduction to various approaches of project-based learning with Scratch; for example, backwards, inquiry-based, and emergent project designs. The second portion of this session is an interactive exploration of free Scratch project examples and resources I have developed.
The purpose of this session is twofold: a) provide an introduction to different types of project-based learning (e.g., backwards, inquiry-based, and emergent design) and how they lie on the project continuum (i.e., fixed, flexible, or open), and b) to give time to allow attendees to explore the free project-based resources I have created for Scratch. Everyone will walk away with dozens of lesson plans and resources to get them started with project-based learning with Scratch.
Read MoreThis lightning talk introduces ipsative assessment, which is an assessment undertaken by a student for the purpose of learning through reflection on prior work. This process differs from self-assessment where students evaluate their own efforts or results without making connections to prior creations or demonstrations of understandings. I begin this session by briefly reviewing applications of formative and summative assessment techniques and then introduce ipsative assessment as another possibility for assessing student work. After this brief introduction, I elaborate by providing examples of how I used ipsative assessment within the K-8 coding classes I designed and facilitated, and conclude the lightning talk by sharing assessment resources I created for elementary CS education professional development sessions.
Read MoreThis ignite talk describes considerations for designing interest-driven coding projects with Scratch. I provide examples of what an interest-driven coding class looks like and how projects are designed for a variety of experience levels and interests within a shared space. I discuss some of the research informing this approach, share examples of interest-driven projects, and provide suggestions for creating interest-driven coding projects and resources.
Read MoreThis session discusses how to seamlessly integrate formative, summative, and ipsative assessment practices within K-12 coding projects and lessons. We will explore each of the three approaches and I will provide both formal and informal examples of how each type of assessment might occur within a project or lesson.
Read MoreThis presentation begins with an introduction to various approaches of project-based learning with Scratch; for example, backward, inquiry-based, and emergent project designs. The second portion of this session is an interactive exploration of free Scratch project examples and resources I have developed, so bring your laptop to explore and create projects with Scratch. The session will conclude with an open Q&A on project-based learning with Scratch.
Read MoreA five minute video presentation I made for the Avondale Elementary School District's School Board.
Read MoreThe early technological constraints imposed on 8-bit composers can act as project criteria for composing and performing 8-bit music that interacts with live 8-bit video games. This two hour session will begin with an interaction with 8-bit media and then break out into groups to create short musical excerpts and sound effects for a live video game. After all of the groups share what they created, the session concludes with a discussion on musical problems, technological constraints impacting creativity, and future projects.
Read MoreThis session will explore potential projects that involve creating music to modern video games. We will also explore how video games can be used to explore technology, music theory, music history, composing, and performing with modern video games. Experience with video games is not required as the focus is on the unique musical affordances students can experience when creating music to video games. Please feel free to bring an instrument as we will experience a mini project that requires everyone to musically contribute to a live video game in the session.
Read MoreThis session will explore potential projects that involve composing and performing music in the 8-bit aesthetic. We will also explore how the 8-bit aesthetic can be used to explore technology, music theory, and music history through composing and performing with 8-bit video games. Experience with video games is not required as the focus is on the unique musical affordances students can experience when composing and performing music to old school video games. Please feel free to bring a laptop with a way to write music notation as we will create and perform music to a live video game in the session.
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