Let′s All Teach Computer Science!: A Guide to Integrating Computer Science Into the K-12 Classroom

✍ Scribed by Kiki Prottsman

• Publisher: Corwin
• Year: 2024
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 137
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

You belong in this world of computer science education―and because of you, adults of the future will understand how to responsibly participate in high-tech environments with confidence.

Districts, cities, and states are moving toward computer science requirements for all K-12 classrooms, even in courses that were not previously associated with technology. These new requirements leave many teachers feeling anxious and unprepared when it comes to integrating computer science into existing curriculum. This book is here to support educators in that shift by inviting them to explore computer science and coding in an approachable and unintimidating way.

Let′s All Teach Computer Science: K-12 is a source of inspiration and empowerment for educators who are moving into this technological wonderland. Kiki Prottsman has more than 15 years of experience in computer science education, and her insight informs thoughtful discussions on promoting creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in students. The book positions computer science  in a way that supports other essential skills–such as reading, writing, and mathematics– by providing customizable frameworks that help to seamlessly integrate computer science into core subjects. This book:

• Provides powerful insights for creating innovative and inclusive learning environments
• Offers practical examples of integrating computer science into traditional subjects like math, history, art, and more
• Highlights the importance of addressing implicit biases and promoting computer science as an inclusive field for all students
• Includes insights on classroom technology and educational technology, as well as AI and its role in education
• Encourages educators to work together to nurture digital innovators while recognizing potential challenges and frustrations

Let′s All Teach Computer Science is an essential guide that equips K-12 teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to begin teaching computer science immediately–and does so in an enjoyable way, thanks to Prottsman’s friendly and playful style.

✦ Table of Contents

Front Cover
What Your Colleagues Are Saying . . .
Half Title Page
Dedication
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Foreword by Jake Baskin
Publisher’s Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
Using Common Vocabulary
What to Expect From This Book
Locating Supplemental Materials
Part 1: Getting Started With Computer Science Integration
Chapter 1: The Importance of Integrating Computer Science Into K–12
The Marvelous Art of Computer Science Integration
Why Integration?
How Implicit Bias Can Work Against Our Best Intentions
It’s in Your Hands Now
Summary
Reflection Questions
Chapter 2: What Teachers Are “Supposed” to Know About Computer Science Before Integrating
Principle 1: Attitude Is Everything
Principle 2: Be a Lead Learner
Principle 3: Diversity Matters
Principle 4: Understand Concepts
Summary
Reflection Questions
Chapter 3: How We’re Supposed to Know What We Know About Integrating Computer Science
Free Online Computer Science Activities
Step #1: Kindergarten-ish
Step #2: Second Grade-ish
Step #3: Fourth Grade-ish
Step #4: Eighth Grade-ish
Step #5: Tenth Grade-ish
Free Online Computer Science Classes
Free Computer Science Educator Trainings
Computer Science and Tech Conferences
Support Systems for Teachers Integrating Coding Into the Classroom
Summary
Reflection Questions
Part 2: A Deep Dive on Integrating Computer Science Into the Classroom
Chapter 4: What You Need to Know About Integrating Computer Science
Instructor Best Practices for Integrating Computer Science Into Other Classes
Collaboration
Productive Struggle
Meet Students Where They Are (AKA: Mind the Gap)
Don’t Be a Sage on the Stage
Understand the Integration Landscape of Your School
The Most Popular Tools for CS Integration
Hour of Code
MakeCode
Junior Block-Based Favorites
Other Block-Based Favorites
Text-Based Favorites
Classic Text Languages
Robot Favorites
Hardware Favorites
Unplugged Lessons
Looking Into Curriculum Sets
Tips for Creating Your Own Curriculum
Work Backward
Find Common Ground
Let Students Guide You
Test It for Fun
Summary
Reflection Questions
Chapter 5: Integrating Computer Science Into STEM-Focused Classes
Step #1: Friday Fun Day
Step #2: Project/Presentation Replacement
Step #3: Truly Integrate Lessons
Decomposition
Pattern Matching
Abstraction
Algorithms
Putting the Pillars Together
Decomposing Lessons
Pattern Matching Lessons
Abstraction Across Lessons
Algorithmifying Your Lesson
Summary
Reflection Questions
Chapter 6: Making Any Class a STEM Class Through Coding
ELA/History/Social Studies/Foreign Languages
Simple Additions
Deeper Integrations
Art
Simple Additions
Deeper Integrations
Music
Simple Additions
Deeper Integrations
Physical Education
Simple Additions
Deeper Integrations
Summary
Reflection Questions
Part 3: Teaching Computer Science for Today and for the Future
Chapter 7: Supporting Computer Science Students From Historically Underrepresented Groups
Bias in Voice Assistants and AI
Bias in Face Recognition Software
Success Begins With Diversity
Computer Science Drives Success
Gaining and Retaining Students From Historically Underrepresented Groups
Reflect Your Community in Your Classroom
Encourage Mentors and Role Models
Promotion and Advertising
Balance Your Unconscious Biases
A Word on Equity Compared With Justice
Summary
Reflection Questions
Chapter 8: Always Be Evolving: ChatGPT and AI
What Is Artificial Intelligence—and What Isn’t It?
Integrating LLMs Into Classroom Assignments
Geography: Learning About Captain James Cook
Grammar, Tone, and Writing
Art History
Computer Science
AI and LLMs to Assist Student Learning
AI and LLMs to Assist Teachers
Addressing Hopes and Fears
Cheating With AI
Deceptive AI
Utilizing Copyrighted Materials
Summary
Reflection Questions
Afterword
Glossary
Bibliography
Index