Friday the 5th: Trends in K-12 Computing

Key points:

K-12 computing is essential, not just for students who may pursue computing or STEM fields in college or the workforce. The principles of computer science provide students with critical computational thinking skills that will serve them well in any career field or professional activity.

Let's take a look at trends in K-12 computing and where computing education is headed across the country:

Who is a computer science educator?

The short answer: Anyone can be a computer science teacher! Well-intentioned IT initiatives often encounter reluctance and resistance before they even get off the ground. Teachers may see the new initiative as “just another thing” on their plate or may feel ill-prepared to tackle an entirely new discipline. To ensure a smooth transition to CS instruction, campus and district leaders will need to empower teachers to take ownership of the change, rather than simply asking them to comply. Here are some tips to ensure your teachers are given space, support, and resources to help them confidently take ownership of implementing IT initiatives.

Is there a demand for computer science teachers?

Computer science is a rapidly advancing field; Educators have to make those changes if they want to prepare their students for the modern world. Trying to teach a subject that is constantly changing can be a little intimidating for some teachers, especially if they do not have experience in the field. Fortunately, the skills that students learn in a K-12 computing framework are permanent and many of the changes within the field are manageable for the educators involved. Here are three keys to prepare to teach this dynamic subject without feeling like the ground is constantly shifting beneath your feet.

Why Computer Science in K-12?

Computer science is much more than just coding, from the basics to advanced computer science concepts. It is built fundamental and transferable skills, such as logistical deduction, critical and computational thinking, reasoning and problem solving. Most importantly, computer science is not just for older or future students to learn; is critical for all students to learn right now as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. When this educator set out to transform the way her district taught computer science, teachers decided to start with the youngest students. By starting with kindergarteners, teachers hoped to develop building blocks and confidence that would carry them along their learning journey. Discover how bringing computer science to young learners can equip students with the skills and confidence from an early age to be curious about their STEAM learning and achieve deeper learning in computer science along the way.

What are computer practices?

Computer practices offer simple opportunities to differentiate instruction; Educational technology can make these concepts even more accessible to students. IT is more important than ever. In the era of artificial intelligence, the study of computers and computational systems (including their theory, design, development, and application) represents a new frontier in science. New fields in computing seem to emerge every day and now include computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human-computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics, and computer science theory. computing. Here are some of those topics and the educational technology tools I use to make these concepts even more accessible to students.

What are the essential components of computing?

When discussing the basics of computer science and changing the culture in computer science classrooms, educators must not only emphasize the value of the subject, but must also show how computer science can be a “tool for solving problems and issues in their own community”. and for social justice.” That also requires educators to think more “holistically” about computing and integrate it across disciplines, she said. Teacher training remains an obstacle. While the CS4All initiative aims to reach 5,000 teachers through a two-week summer professional development session, more substantive courses have been scarce. Here's how teachers can address equity issues in K-12 computing.

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of eSchool Media. She graduated from the prestigious Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

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