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“The study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their implementation, and their impact on society.”
- Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA)
In today's workshop, we will concentrate on algorithmic processes (computational thinking) , software and hardware and their implementation.
Computer science is:
Computer science is:
a theory and practice that allows you to program a computer to do what you want it to
a tool that helps you tell a story or make something happen with technology
a discipline that emphasizes persistence in problem-solving — a skill that is applicable across disciplines, driving job growth and innovation across all sectors of the workforce
a skill that teaches students how to use computers to create, not just consume
Computer science is not:
Computer science is not:
learning how to type or use a mouse
learning to use word processing, spreadsheet, or presentation software (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs & Drive)
learning how to build or repair computers
playing video games
adapted from CS First
Why is this important for our students?
"Only slightly more than half of U.S. schools offer computer science, and even fewer elementary and middle school do. Nationwide, just 6 percent of students take computer science courses. " Klein
"Multiple studies indicate that CS education can help students beyond computing. CS education has been linked with higher rates of college enrollment and improved problem-solving abilities (Brown & Brown, 2020; Salehi et al., 2020). A recent randomized control trial also showed that lessons in computational thinking improved student response inhibition, planning, and coding skills (Arfé et al., 2020). As these skills take preeminence in the rapidly changing 21st century, CS education promises to significantly enhance student preparedness for the future of work and active citizenship. " Vegas and Fowler
Students in Computer Science Classes in Berkshire County 2022
The report below displays the number or percentage of students completing at least one Digital Literacy or Computer Science course in grades K-12. Courses are reported in the Student Course Schedule (SCS) system. For a full list of courses and subjects, see the Digital Literacy and Computer Science course list. For course descriptions please see EPIMS Appendices G1 and G2. All numbers from DESE DLCS Webpage
Sometimes classrooms use CS as an enrichment for those students that get done first on a project. They get to go onto Code.org and play with the puzzles or use other tools/software. The problem with this is that many of the students that struggle for whatever reason will excel at CS. It may be "their thing" but they never get a chance to try. When they finally get a chance in middle school or high school they think that isn't for them "it is just for those excellent students that got finished" so they never try and never find out that they excel at coding. My experience has been that some of my best coding students had a hard time in many other areas of their studies. In coding they weren't afraid of making mistakes, they stuck with it and kept trying to get it to work and found immense satisfaction and pride when it did work. It was a huge confidence builder for these students.
Links of Interest:
Brookings's What Do We Know About The Expansion of K-12 Computer Science Education: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-do-we-know-about-the-expansion-of-k-12-computer-science-education/
EducationWeek's This District See Big Benefits in Computer Science For All: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/this-district-sees-big-benefits-in-computer-science-for-all/2023/07 and Computer Science Education Is Gaining Momentum: https://www.edweek.org/technology/computer-science-education-is-gaining-momentum-but-some-say-not-fast-enough/2022/09
Edutopia's Coded for Success: https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/coded-success-benefits-learning-program
CSinSF's Why: https://www.csinsf.org/why-cs.html
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