It might seem a little early to be talking about it, but it’s coming...Computer Science Education Week. And we want you to participate!
Why is computer science such a big deal? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “computer and information technology occupations [are] projected to grow 13% from 2016-2026, faster than the average for all occupations…[adding] about 546,100 new jobs.” Oh, and did I mention that the median annual wage was $82,860 in May 2016, as compared to the median annual wage for all occupations at only $37,040? Our students’ present and future possibilities are heavily influenced by this realm of technology. We can engage students with computer science with a motivational, purposeful, and well-supported resource called Code.org. One of their original goals includes improving diversity in computer science (girls and minorities are underrepresented in this field), but they also aim to improve access to computer science by adding this subject to school district curriculum and setting up state policies to support computer science. Although this site can be used any time and throughout the school year, each year Code.org promotes computer science with one week of Hour of Code, as part of their campaign to improve access for all students. Teachers can sign up to participate in Code.org’s fifth annual international Hour of Code learning event, scheduled for December 4-10, 2017, and foster students’ enthusiasm for computer science. Check out this video from a prior event to see how much students enjoyed their experiences! They also have a how to get started guide, including (believe it or not!) hands-on activities that do not even use devices if computers are not readily available. Your instructional coaches and/or tech coach are able to support you in participating in this event or getting started beforehand with Code.org, so whether you have had any training or not, this is an event for every teacher and every student, kindergarten through twelfth grade. Let’s get coding! Sources 2016 Median Pay. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2017, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm About Us. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2017, from https://code.org/about
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AuthorAs an instructional coach for technology, I get the pleasure of working with 1 preschool and 15 elementary schools to support integration of technology with classroom instruction. Archives
August 2020
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