Recent articles
What happens when kids make their own makerspace?
01/31/2017
Topics: Coding & robotics, ISTE Conference & Expo, Makerspaces
It began as a donated box of K’nex set out on a library table.
Students started tinkering. Librarian Diana Rendina started asking questions.
Bit by bit, the makers who came in helped her decide what to add next: Snap Circuits. Legos. Rotating craft stations.…
3 easy lessons that teach coding and computational thinking
01/16/2020
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking
Students love it when teachers bring cool and creative things to the classroom, but unless those things connect to content and curriculum, the benefits can be limited.
And, as Patricia Brown, technology specialist at Old Bonhomme Elementary in St. Louis, Missouri, explains, lessons…
No device needed to teach kids to code
01/29/2019
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking
Leka DeGroot can relate to teachers who would like to bring coding to their classrooms but just can’t fathom fitting it in.
“Teachers often tell me, ‘It sounds great but I don’t have time, or I don’t have the skills,’ but you don’t have to be a computer scientist to teach…
6 reasons for coding in K-5 classrooms
02/06/2020
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Robotics, STEM & STEAM
In many districts, students still get their first introduction to computer science and coding in middle school or high school. That timing, argues John Pearce, is all wrong.
“If you start computer science in K-5, students don’t have set ideas about what they are or aren’t good at,”…
Hadi Partovi: Teach computer science to all students
12/06/2016
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, ISTE Conference & Expo, STEM & STEAM
When you’re the co-founder of a nonprofit like Code.org, audiences assume your message is that kids need to learn code. In that respect, Hadi Partovi doesn’t fit expectations. His message in his EdTekTalk was…
Celebrate Hour of Code with these activities and resources
11/26/2019
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, STEM & STEAM
Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science and has grown into a weeklong event involving millions of people from around the world. Many organizations, from Disney to Khan Academy, have joined Code.org to offer activities centered on coding and computational…
Game Day: Playful PD for teachers and students
11/15/2016
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Digital storytelling, Gamification, Literacies, Makerspaces, professional learning, Robotics, Standards, STEM & STEAM
Much like school itself, professional development days are often regarded as a waste of instructional time. But what if PD days could be fun and effective for both teachers and students?…
5 things coding teaches the youngest learners
10/06/2016
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Makerspaces
One day soon, computer science will be a required course at all U.S. high schools. That concept has school technology associate Trish Cloud thinking about how to prepare even her youngest learners for their future.
“If I can show K-5 students that coding is fun, that…
The role of robotics in connecting curriculum to deep, meaningful learning
10/01/2016
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking
The biggest thoughts often come from the littlest people.
A Canadian second grader had just spent an hour or so coding with his classmates when the child was asked a simple question: “What have you learned?”
“Today taught me…
Google CS First ignites interest in computer science
12/28/2015
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Digital storytelling, Literacies, Personalized Learning, STEM & STEAM, Tools
I am always looking for ways to inspire my students — especially middle school girls — to grow their knowledge and skills in STEM subjects, particularly in the realm of computer science. So it was a great find when I discovered Google CS…