Mini-Course: Infusing Computer Science through Computational Thinking in Every Classroom
Return to: ETAP 623 Spring 2017 |Mini-Course: Infusing Computational Thinking in Every Classroom
What is this mini-course about?
Infusing Computational Thinking in Every Classroom is exactly what it sounds like! This course is designed to give K-12 educators knowledge, strategies and ideas to confidently infuse computational thinking practices in every classroom.
Course Overview
'Infusing Computer Science through Computational Thinking in Every Classroom'
Every child, no matter a career path, is going to need a fundamental level of technological competence. According to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the need for stronger science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills applies to both STEM and non-STEM occupations (Banthe, 2015). As technology and computing continue to become a more and more integral part of everyday life through the use of technologies that extend our human capabilities it is ever more important that students gain a minimum a general understanding of computer science and computational thinking in order to flourish in the world of tomorrow.
With technologies changing at a rapid pace and a plethora or available resources and options for studying computation and computer science teachers need to develop their own knowledge within these fields so that they may make educated and appropriate decisions about infusing computer science principles into their classrooms.
Needs Assessment
1. Instructional Problem
The need for professional development options for educators who may not have knowledge on how to infuse computational thinking and computer science into classroom instruction.
2. What is to be Learned
Participants will explore What computational thinking is, What computer science is as well as the benefits of infusing both into every classroom. This new knowledge will be paired with programs and strategies that can foster successful integration of computer science into any classroom.
3. The Learners
The participants in this course will consist of pre-service and current K-12 educators of all subjects.
Performance Objectives
Course Purpose As a result of participating in this course, the successful participant will gain skills and understandings for infusing computational thinking and learning activities into the classroom. This course is designed to target elementary, middle and secondary level education classrooms.
Learning Outcomes Upon completions of this course, participants will be able to:
- understand the role of computational thinking in modern society
- use grade level appropriate computer programming software
- use algorithmic thinking to problem solve
- understand the role of abstraction in computer science
- build a model to imitate real world processes
Task Analysis
Prerequisite Skills
Essential Prerequisites:
Understanding of concepts and procedures related to:
- Solving problems
- Data collection and analysis
- Basic computer skills
Technical Prerequisites
Ability to:
- Use a windows or Mac computer
- Understand basic file organization and management
- Navigate the world wide web
Behavioral Prerequisites
The participant must:
- Have a willingness to learn
- Be willing to fail forward (learning from mistakes)
- Have a growth mindset
Curriculum Map
References and Resources
Bathke, B. (2015, November 09). The importance of early exposure to STEM fields. Retrieved November 05, 2017, from https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865641034/Preparing-for-jobs-in-STEM-fields-should-begin-as-early-as-elementrary-school.html
