Recent articles

Two students study a flow chart to learn computational thinking

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…

MORE

No device needed to teach kids to code

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,”…

MORE

New era, new language: Students solve problems with 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…

MORE

Kimberly Lane

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…

MORE

A girl and her teacher looking at an iPad

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

MORE

10 easy steps to start coding with Google CS First

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…

MORE

Three boys work on building a robotics project together

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…

MORE

Make CS accessible to all students with physical computing

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.…

MORE

5 things you can do to bring computer science to all your students

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…

MORE

Embed computational thinking into PBL

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 …

MORE