Broadening the Appeal of Computer Science Through a Novel Teaching Methodology.

despite of Increasing demand for computer science skills In professional careers and many areas of life, K-12 schools Struggles to teach Computer Science for the Next Generation.

However, there is a new way to teach computer science – it is called integrated computing—addresses the main barriers schools face when adding computer science education. These barriers include a Shortage of qualified computer science teachersand a lack of funds and focus on training courses linked to standardized tests.

Integrated computing teaches computer science skills such as programming and computer literacy within traditional courses. For example, students can use integrated computing activities for Create geometric patterns in mathematicsAnd Simulation of electromagnetic waves in science And Create chatbots for literary characters in language arts.

K Professor of Learning TechnologiesI was Design integrated computing activities For K-12 students over the past five years. I work with faculty and students in teacher training programmes Create and test integrated computing activities in all academic subjects.

in my researchI have found that integrated computing solves three major obstacles to teaching computer science education in K-12 schools.

Challenges of teaching computer science

Adaptation of a new academic system on file Really crowded curriculum It can be a challenge. Integrated computing allows computer science education to become part of learning in other classes, and the way reading skills are also used in science, math, and language arts classes.

knowledge of the teacher Another difficulty when it comes to teaching computer science in K-12 schools. While people majoring in computer science are more often employed in lucrative jobs than teaching, integrated computing advances all educators’ knowledge of computer science. Teachers do not need to become computer science experts to teach computer literacy and programming skills to their students.

In fact, the most surprising finding in my research is how quickly teachers learn to teach integrated computing activities. in about two hours, Teachers can use a pre-made computer science lesson in their classrooms. In the future, I will teach them to use artificial intelligence to create their own lessons for their students. For example, a science teacher recently asked me how she could create a data analysis activity for her class. Artificial intelligence tools will allow her to do so Quickly design technical aspects from this activity.

Finally, integrated computing also addresses students’ reluctance to take computer science elective classes when they have little knowledge of computer science. In 2022, more than half of US public high schools offer computer science, but only 6% students Take these lessons. Usually students who study computer science are in high school Early exposure to computer science. Integrated computing can give all students the opportunity for early exposure to computer science, which I believe will increase the number of students taking computer science courses later in school.

Computer science for everyone

Early exposure to computer science in school is especially important for students from groups Underrepresented in computer science. a Report 2022 From Code.org, a nonprofit advocating for more computer science education in K-12 schools, found that students are Hispanic, female, or from rural or low-income areas less likely To enroll in foundational computer science courses.

Educators who want to build their knowledge of computer science and apply it in the classroom can try this free online self-knowledge Integrated computing courses developed by, and associated with small credentials. Also, this list is sortable integrated computing activities Provides free lesson plans. The activities require only a computer – no prior knowledge is required, and young learners can complete them outside of class, too.

Integrated Computing provides a path to increasing computer literacy for all K-12 students. With technology advancing at an ever increasing rate, I believe schools must ensure that our young people are not left behind.

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