Here are a few important things we wanted to share with you!
Hello again from your faithful CT CSTA leadership! When we last talked it was March and boy were things changing in the world! Like you we too have been heads down making Distance Learning work for our classrooms, wrapping up school priorities, and saying goodbye to some wonderful students in a strange new way. As we look towards our Summer which is definitely here we enter Professional Development season!
To help you plan your summer here is a quick resource and a few solid PDs and Webinars which you may find valuable! Don't think we will be sitting idle as well! We'll be right there with you in spirit through every (virtual) hour of PD making our classrooms and the Connecticut chapter even better for 2020 - 2021.
Resource for classroom discussion:
How do you actually USE computer science in the real world?
But first... This 2.36 minute YouTube video comes from the news cycles in May. Ignoring the political nature of the video it's a great video to highlight how we (and our students) need Computer Science knowledge in our lives.
Watch as Rebekah Jones, recently fired from the Florida Department of Health uses her CS knowledge to help her community and solve a problem! It's empowering to see how she was able to take a stand on something she feels passionate about and create something which helps others. It's a great example of Computer Science in action and something to share with your students. How will they use their powers for good???
Summer Professional Development Opportunities
CSTA National Conference 2020!
If you are looking for inspiration, for connection, and for a chance to be rejuvenated, join us at CSTA 2020, set for July 13 - 14, 2020. While we all won’t be meeting together in Arlington this year, we’re excited to still put on the same conference you’ve come to love — created by teachers, for teachers.
Check out these free workshops offered by CodeHS. CodeHS is a comprehensive teaching platform for helping schools teach computer science. We provide web-based curriculum, teacher tools and resources, and professional development.
CodeHS
Sacred Heart University, Regional Partner of Code.org, is proceeding with 2020 teacher cohorts for Code.org Computer Science but with (at least) the summer workshop in a virtual format. There are still some spots and scholarships remaining for the Middle School (CS Discoveries) and High School (CS Principles) programs.
ICME (Institute for Computational & Mathematical Engineering)
ICME (Institute for Computational & Mathematical Engineering) offers a variety of summer virtual instructor-led workshops to students, ICME partners, and the wider community. This year's series of day-long workshops is happening from August 17-22, 2020.
AP CS Principles Endorsed Provider CS Matters is offering virtual training this summer.
CS Matters is one of several AP CS Principles Endorsed Providers. They are bringing their curriculum to CT in August.
August 3: Focus on recent changes to the course
August 4: Create PT
August 5-6: CS Matters Content
Some cool articles you may have missed from the National Newsletter
Doing More Than Showing Up: In his post for The Advocate thread of The Voice, CSTA Partner Representative Hai Hong reflects on how he can stand up against anti-black racism and explores ways to incorporate a better understanding of structural racism into CS education. Read his full piece.
Intersectionality of Systemic Racism, CS, and our Role: In this month’s CSTA+ member spotlight, we sat down with CSTA Equity Fellow Charity Freeman to discuss equity in computer science and her values as an educator. Read the full interview.
Fostering Creativity, Curiosity, and Generosity Through Robotics: Angie Kalthoff and Lynne May Lim set out to answer the question: “Can a robotics curriculum that’s designed to be developmentally appropriate for young children also help them become better citizens and human beings?” Read about their project.
Remember, your Connecticut Computer Science Teacher's association loves you!
