A few weeks back I blogged about an infograpfic that was making the rounds.
I am so happy to say that the infographic has been updated:
Better, no?
I am so glad to see the update. Gone is the one of blame and the factual errors about the APCS exam. The whole tone reflects their stated purpose of "Teach Girls To Program Before People Tell Them They Can't Do It". Great approach.
I really love that they now include information on stereotype threat. Joanne Cohoon at UVA has done a lot of great work on this as it relates to females in computer science. It is her research at NCWIT the reference at the bottom. And while we are at it, have you been to a Tapestry Workshop? If not put it on your list for next summer, absolutely will change your teaching. Resources from past workshops are posted on the site, so you can read ahead,
Well done!
Showing posts with label Diversity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diversity. Show all posts
Monday, October 7, 2013
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Why Teach Computer Science - Facebook Discussion
So last week on Facebook I posted this link: Teach US Kids to Code. It brought up a really interesting discussion between some of my former students about computer science classes.
Now back when I taught these kids (now very much grown up and in their careers) my focus was mostly code, code and more code. I am happy to say my teaching has grown since then. Our discussion centered on the fact that many kids just don't "get" coding. They pointed out that half the kids in our classes never really moved beyond variables. And honestly this was my fault.
Without the broader context the abstraction of computer science can be overwhelming. Especially for an age group that has not necessarily hit the abstract thinking phase of development. Abstract thinking starts in early adolescence and continues until they are in their early 20's. And as teachers we can't control where they are in that spectrum.
What I can control are the activities and topics we do in class. By building a scaffolding through engaging activities you create a framework and a context for all these abstract things. Though practice comes understanding.
This leap from teaching code to teaching computer science has been the biggest development in my career.
So here is what I wrote. It is the core of why I think every kids deserves computer science in school.
In a way it is asking the question from the wrong angle. For instance in Latin there is no expectation that every student become a master level linguist. There is an understood intrinsic benefit to studying something rigorous even if you do not hit mastery.
For too many cs classes we have a kind of Jedi master approach You will either become expert, or get nothing out of the experience. I think there is a valuable middle.
I assume all of my students will engage with some type of computing device in their professional lives. Having some experience with programming means they have a better understanding of what these devices can and cannot do.
We've hit the point where cs is the magic trick...watch any old episode of NCIS to see that. For too many people you hit the button, magic occurs and answers appear. Any person with some cs experience knows how untrue that is, and how manipulative it can be.
We are at a point where you are either someone that understands this, or is getting tricked. It has become a basic literacy issue.
So no, many of my students will not master abstraction or recursion, but my classes also cover the culture of cs. They don't have to get every nuance of programming to understand some of the science behind what we do.
And that knowledge puts them on the stage with the magician, maybe holding the hat but still on stage, rather than in the audience. Cs should be more than a fun show. We depend on these devices so much that cs is a core part of being a literate person of influence.
Without the broader context the abstraction of computer science can be overwhelming. Especially for an age group that has not necessarily hit the abstract thinking phase of development. Abstract thinking starts in early adolescence and continues until they are in their early 20's. And as teachers we can't control where they are in that spectrum.
What I can control are the activities and topics we do in class. By building a scaffolding through engaging activities you create a framework and a context for all these abstract things. Though practice comes understanding.
This leap from teaching code to teaching computer science has been the biggest development in my career.
 |
| NCIS |
In a way it is asking the question from the wrong angle. For instance in Latin there is no expectation that every student become a master level linguist. There is an understood intrinsic benefit to studying something rigorous even if you do not hit mastery.
For too many cs classes we have a kind of Jedi master approach You will either become expert, or get nothing out of the experience. I think there is a valuable middle.
I assume all of my students will engage with some type of computing device in their professional lives. Having some experience with programming means they have a better understanding of what these devices can and cannot do.
We've hit the point where cs is the magic trick...watch any old episode of NCIS to see that. For too many people you hit the button, magic occurs and answers appear. Any person with some cs experience knows how untrue that is, and how manipulative it can be.
We are at a point where you are either someone that understands this, or is getting tricked. It has become a basic literacy issue.
So no, many of my students will not master abstraction or recursion, but my classes also cover the culture of cs. They don't have to get every nuance of programming to understand some of the science behind what we do.
And that knowledge puts them on the stage with the magician, maybe holding the hat but still on stage, rather than in the audience. Cs should be more than a fun show. We depend on these devices so much that cs is a core part of being a literate person of influence.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
NCWIT - Award for Aspirations in Computing - Virginia Affiliate
High school young women in your community are invited to apply for the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing - Virginia Affiliate. Please help us publicize this opportunity and encourage candidates to apply.
NCWIT Aspirations Award
NCWIT
What is the award? The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing recognizes young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. Winners are recognized at an award event here in the community. All applicants will also be considered for the National award.
Why is the award important? By generating visibility for technical young women, the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing encourages continued interest in computing, increases awareness of the gender gap in computing and IT, and emphasizes at a personal level the importance of women's participation in computing.
What is my role? We are asking everyone to help promote the Award and encourage girls with accomplishments and aspirations in computing to apply. Please broadcast this opportunity among your networks and copy and distribute the attached Poster and Info Sheet to likely candidates. The Info Sheet describes eligibility criteria and supplies everything girls need to apply.
What is the application process? Please duplicate and distribute the poster and flyer and direct girls to http://www.aspirationsaward.org. Detailed instructions and eligibility information are found online.
What is the deadline? Please notify girls of this opportunity right away. Online applications opened September 15, 2011 and must be submitted and endorsed by October 31, 2011.
What is the award? The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing recognizes young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. Winners are recognized at an award event here in the community. All applicants will also be considered for the National award.
Why is the award important? By generating visibility for technical young women, the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing encourages continued interest in computing, increases awareness of the gender gap in computing and IT, and emphasizes at a personal level the importance of women's participation in computing.
What is my role? We are asking everyone to help promote the Award and encourage girls with accomplishments and aspirations in computing to apply. Please broadcast this opportunity among your networks and copy and distribute the attached Poster and Info Sheet to likely candidates. The Info Sheet describes eligibility criteria and supplies everything girls need to apply.
What is the application process? Please duplicate and distribute the poster and flyer and direct girls to http://www.aspirationsaward.org. Detailed instructions and eligibility information are found online.
What is the deadline? Please notify girls of this opportunity right away. Online applications opened September 15, 2011 and must be submitted and endorsed by October 31, 2011.
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