CS First is a Google platform offered for free to learn computer science. The online system is a way to help anyone teach the subject more easily for a range of ages.
Aimed primarily at late primary and secondary school ages, this is a tool that aims to introduce new students to the world of computing in various ways. Ultimately, this is free, as it allows Google to help grow its future workforce, including students who can potentially benefit from working in that field.
Sure, there are many computing resources out there, but this one, being from Google, is very easy to use, intuitively designed, and integrates well with most systems and themes.
This guide aims to explain everything you need to know to see if Google CS First could work well for your class.
What is CS First?
CS first is an online-based Google tool accessible to anyone, and offers a variety of resources for teaching computer science.
Created by Google, it is designed to run within a browser, making it a minimal setup that can be accessed from most devices and internet connections. While it's full of ready-to-use lessons, the platform is also packed with resources for teachers. It is designed for classroom use, rather than simply being used by students alone, although both options exist.
Available in English and Spanish, everything is very clear and intuitive to use. As such, this can be used to teach computer science even by teachers who are new to teaching the subject. Since it uses the Scratch programming language, it is very useful and there are many online resources to support it and implement it right away.
How does CS First work?
CS First can be accessed online and offers over 80 programming scenarios across 19 topics. This allows students and teachers to work in areas such as animation, stories, music, art, sports, game design, and more.
Thematic lessons are divided into one-hour activities or multi-day projects. Teachers can use Curriculum Finder to work on specific areas that need to be addressed.
The lesson usually begins with a video that students watch to get an overview. They are then tasked with creating their own content following the examples provided. Thanks to the step-by-step guide, students can complete a project or work with very little help.
Customization is an option to give a personal touch to projects. It is then possible to present them back to the class for moderation and evaluation as necessary. With activity badges, most feedback is incorporated throughout the process so students can see what still needs to be done to complete the work.
What are the best features of CS First?
CS First offers a wide range of difficulty levels that cover a decent age range, from late elementary to high school. Consequently, there is something challenging enough for most students in those age ranges to make good progress.
Thanks to the online nature of the platform and the breakdown of content, it can be used in class, at home, or for distance learning. Helpfully, this can be applied to many lessons, so computing can become part of learning another subject without the need for a dedicated class.
The dashboard is really useful and works well for those teachers who already use Google Classroom. This fits into that system and shows student progress, as well as offering lesson plans and access to guides, certificates of proficiency, classroom kits, downloadable files and much more.
Using digital materials along with solution guides, this can create a very independent learning experience for students, allowing it to be used both at home and in class with minimal teacher involvement necessary.
How much does CS First cost?
Google provides CS First as a service entirely free resource. That means any number of teachers and students can use it and all resources are available for free. Plus, there are no ads and everything is designed to be used safely by students in schools.
Best CS First Tips and Tricks
Go slow
There is a lot of focus in a relatively short amount of learning time, so having downtime to reflect and absorb can be an effective way to teach.
go fast
Load students with project options so those who want can go deeper, while others can choose the pace at which they want to learn.
Go home
Send work home so that students can gain confidence working alone, but also progress to use Scratch skills more effectively however they want.
