Recent articles
Using research-based strategies to help students master computational thinking
06/12/2019
Topics: Computational Thinking, ISTE Standards for Computer Science Educators, Learning sciences
When learning new knowledge, it is critical for students to connect new concepts with previous learning and experiences and then be able to transfer it in multiple and creative ways. It is, therefore, essential…
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 coding,”…
New era, new language: Students solve problems with coding
10/03/2017
Topics: Computational Thinking, computer science
Teach a student to use computer and you prepare her to function in a digital world. Teach her to program one and you prepare her to solve the world’s problems.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that understanding the language of computers is a skill all adults will need to thrive in a…
Educators Should Make Computer Science a Reality for Girls
02/18/2021
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, STEM & STEAM
Not long ago, I was a high school student sitting in a classroom wondering how taking a particular class would help me in life.
Luckily, most of the courses I was taking actually complemented what I planned to study in college – computer science.
Even as a child, I was intrigued…
Make Hour of Code a lifelong passion with these free resources
11/26/2019
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking
Since 2013, more than 650 million students worldwide have participated in the Hour of Code, an international event designed to inspire students …
10 easy steps to start coding with Google CS First
11/29/2018
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Robotics
In Greenfield Union School District where I teach fifth grade, I’m known as a bit of a technology enthusiast. This means I’m always excited about new ways to integrate tech in the classroom…
Teaching Computational Thinking Is More Important Than Defining It
08/17/2022
Topics: Computational Thinking
Computational thinking (CT) is riding a strong current in the edtech world that teaching K-12 students to think like computer scientists will better prepare them for work and life.
But bringing CT to K-12 classrooms isn’t something educators can do overnight. It faces obstacles like…
Make CS accessible to all students with physical computing
09/14/2018
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, Robotics, STEM & STEAM
The notion that computer science education is essential for all is picking up steam in the United States; however, we still are a long way from making it accessible and equitable for all.…
5 Things You Can Do To Bring Computer Science To All Your Students
07/08/2020
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking
There’s no doubt that in today’s world, computer science (CS) is foundational knowledge for all students and coding is a foundational skill — just like reading and writing. Yet many schools, especially those in low socioeconomic areas, don’t teach computer science because of a lack…
Embed computational thinking into PBL
07/17/2018
Topics: Coding & robotics, Computational Thinking, ISTE Standards for Students, STEM & STEAM
Like many of my students, my daughter, Anisa, is very familiar with using electronic circuits to make designs …