Unit 1: Understanding the NYS CS & DF Learning Standards
Learing Objectives
At the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify the core components of the Impacts of Computing strand.
- Identify the core components of the Computational Thinking strand.
- Identify the core components of the Networks & System Design strand.
- Identify the core components of the Cybersecurity strand.
- Identify the core components of the Digital Literacy strand.
✏ Self-Assessment Quiz: What is computer science?
Test your knowledge of what you already know about computer science with this Quizizz review game (https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/675997c989c0306a15f0e2d2?at=675999429ecc5482100ada35&M CQ_saved=true ).
Lesson 0: What are the standards?
The New York State K12 Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards[1] (CSDF) were adopted by the Board of Regents in December
2020. The new standards focus on five key concepts:
- Impacts of Computing
- Computational Thinking
- Networks & System Design
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Literacy
Each concept is divied into sub-concepts, ranging in a wide variety of standards. The state's organization of the standards is not intended to be used as a sequence. Concepts, sub-concepts, and individual standards may be taught in any order, and these standards are expected to be met by students at the end of each gradeband. The standards are broken down into K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 gradebands. Each of the following lessons will discuss what standards are covered within each strand.
For a full detailed version of the standards, explained, read the following document published by NYSED.
Lesson 1: Impacts of Computing
Computing affects many aspects of the world at various levels including local, national, and global. Individuals and communities influence computing through their behaviors and cultural and social interactions. Informed citizens understand the ethical and social implications of the digital world, including equity and access to computing and computing technologies.
The Impacts of Computing standard strand promote an understanding of the evolving impact of computing technologies on society through many lenses, including personal, social, cultural, accessibility, legal, economic, and ethical.
To get a full sense of the impacts of computing in various industries in the world, watch this video from Code.org (https://www.code.org):
Lesson 2: Computational Thinking
Computational thinking involves thinking about and solving problems in ways that can be carried out by a computer. This concept includes both core concepts, such as algorithms and variables, and core practices, such as abstraction, decomposition, data analysis, modeling, and simulation, that are vital not only to the design and development of computer programs but also to the strategic use of computational power to solve problems across disciplines.
This strand plays an important role in supporting the creation of solutions to problems, both large and small. Algorithms, programs, simulations, and data are essential to all computing systems, empowering people to communicate and collaborate with others around the world.
Computational thinking can look different at different grade levels. To get a better understanding of it as an adult, watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbnTZCj0ugI
Lesson 3: Networks & System Design
Networks connect computing devices to share data and resources and are an increasingly integral part of computing. Networks and communication systems provide greater connectivity in the computing world by providing fast, secure communication, and facilitating innovation. Individuals interact with data using a variety of input and output devices that are part of a more complex computing system. The hardware and software that make up a computing system process data in digital form. A basic understanding of hardware and software is useful when troubleshooting a computing system that does not work as intended.
This may be one of the more challenging strands to teach if you are not familiar with how hardware and software interact, or how the internet is formed from different networks. To get a breif overview of this strand, watch this video from Spencerport Instructional Technology[2]:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd54unpLLyM
Lesson 4: Cybersecuity
Cybersecurity encompasses the physical, digital, and behavioral actions that can be taken to increase this security. These measures are meant to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data and computing resources, as well as ensure that they are accessible to the users who are supposed to have access to them. Digital security includes understanding and identifying risks, implementing appropriate safeguards, and being prepared to respond to potential attacks. It is important that students know how to employ basic safeguards to protect data and computing resources and how to appropriately respond if a breach occurs.
To better understand the foundations of Cybersecurity, watch this short video from Murdoch University[3].
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shQEXpUwaIY
Lesson 5: Digital Literacy
The last of the five strands is embeded into our everyday lives as we go forth in the twenty-first century. Digital literacy is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond skills-based activities and incorporates both cognitive and technical skills. It refers to the ability to leverage computer technology to appropriately access digital information; to create, share, and modify artifacts, and to interact and collaborate with others. Digital literacy includes understanding the benefits and implications of using digital technologies to be successful in our contemporary world.
To get a better understanding of how digital literacy is used in the world, watch this short video from the Odyssey Learning Project[4] from Virginia Tech.
Final Note
The CSDF Learning Standards encapsulate a series of expectations for learners living in the 21st century. These standards are meant to be implemented by everyone across all grade levels, regardless of subject area. While some strands may be easier to implement than others in an existing course, they are expected to be met by everyone before graduating high school.
✏Reflection
⭐ Activity: Now that you are familair with some of what the standards entail, reflect on what is
already happening in your classroom, school, or district using this Padlet (https://padlet.com/pegarellae/where-do-you-see-yourself-already-implementing-these-standar-kvzyyu68epyi7vbf) board.
References
- Computer science and digital fluency. (2018). New York State Education Department. (https://ww w.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/computer-science-and-digital-fluency)
- Technology department. Technology Department - Spencerport Central School District. (n.d.). (http s://www.spencerportschools.org/departments_and_programs/technology_department)
- Murdoch University. (2024). (https://www.murdoch.edu.au/)
- Virginia Tech. (2024). About Odyssey. (https://odyssey.lib.vt.edu/s/home/page/about)
Link to next unit: Unit 2: Impacts of Computer Science on Education