The Case for Computer Science
Computer Science is the study of computers and how they work (computing). This includes not only the hardware and software components of computer design, but also the algorithms, data structures, and information processes that go into computing.
Research suggests that technology incorporation in the elementary and secondary classroom provides numerous benefits. Student in-class engagement (Alsalhi et al., 2022), ease of coursework differentiation (Stanford et al., 2009), and the promotion of self-driven education are among the positive effects offered by previous studies.
Place-Based Learning in the Alaska Native Classroom
From Wikipedia: "Place-based education promotes learning that is rooted in what is local—the unique history, environment, culture, economy, literature, and art of a particular place—that is, in students' own "place" or immediate schoolyard, neighborhood, town or community."
The rural Alaskan classroom is in many ways unique and the ways in which Alaska Native students generally learn fall not with abstract reasoning but with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods (Pewewardy, 2002). Learning styles of Alaska Native students show a general tendency towards expressive creativity, interdependence between materials, nonverbal communications, and social emphasis (Pewewardy, 2002). This interdependence shows itself in the connection between classroom curriculum and student culture. Without some connection, students are required to adapt to a learning style that is specific to school but not necessarily congruent with their personal, cultural learning style (Swisher & Deyhle, 1989).
Works Cited
A complete list of works cited within this project, relating to technology in the classroom, technology in rural Alaska, and place-based instruction in Native Alaskan education can be located here.