See more to find a list (with links to sched) of computing science related sessions at GETCA! Note, there are a couple in here that might be really great to share with other teachers in your district. Speakers include some of our lovely members including Scott, Janice, Said, and Colin! Great work for getting the computer science wor out there.
Want to start or grow what your high school offers students for computer science? The processing programming language engages students by tapping into their creativity. Participants will get a brief introduction to computer processing followed by a tour of the teaching resources made available free to all participants through a federal government grant. Resources include complete lesson plans, sample code and assessments.
The basics of computer science are so simple and intuitive, we do it every day... we run through our day making decisions based on present conditions, if (condition) do this ... else do something else... we shampoo, rinse and repeat (looping) and we save our information (data). But we are intimidated by how many different programs ... languages...interfaces...there are. So in this session, we will unwrap the basic understanding of computer science and apply it to how we think and then show how discovery learning and learn to fail models fit perfectly into our classrooms, providing intrinsic motivation.
Design, code, build, test and reflect. With two ways of being able to code, these tiny robots allow for classroom flexibility in engaging students with coding and creating technology. Students can code the Ozobots away from a screen using different coloured markers, or can use the Ozoblockly program. As such, these little robots make coding readily accessible at any level but activities can be scaled up to meet the needs of older or more advanced learners. Join WISEST in this session where we discuss how using Ozobots can change students from consumers of technology to creators of technology and can help address EDI issues in the classroom.
See the process of building a Tip Calculator App for mobile devices from start to finish: creation to installation. Technologies used include: HTML, CSS, JavaScript and GoNative.io.
Coding and programming not only build computational and algorithmic thinking in students - they’re also a lot of fun! Collaborating across districts, funded by Inside Education and APEGA, we challenged ourselves to help students program and build devices with practical purposes in mind. Students became engaged in designing and building devices such as automated watering and lighting systems, CO2 warning systems and fire suppression systems. They developed resiliency as they problem solved the code and circuits and we loved the direct connections to science curriculum in a meaningful context. We will share our journey to incorporating coding projects into our junior high science classes that both enhance student engagement and meet curricular objectives in an authentic way. Tips and tricks, pitfalls to avoid and even some hands-on coding will be a part of this super-sized session!
Robotic technologies exist in many aspects of our daily lives. As educators we must be able to help our students gain the necessary technological literacy and confidence to work with these systems.
Sam and Miguel will show you how the "non-tech" teacher can use simple and free coding tools to introduce coding to students in your classroom. We will explore self-paced, and whole group options. Bring your own devices (Chromebook, laptop, iPad, etc.).
Said and Miguel will outline the success of Computational Thinking at Westwood High School in Fort McMurray. The session will cover how computer science went from non-existent to being weaved into the fabric of the school and community. The session will also show how we created an online community so that learning continues outside the school day and the school walls. The session will have an interactive component, where we will solve problems together using some simple coding. Session attendees will take part in activities, so bring a device (laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.).