CSTA -Vermont would like to introduce a new monthly feature - First Friday for CS Teachers.
On the First Friday of every month, we will share 5 Tips, Tricks, or Resources that caught our attention from this amazing community.
We have so much to learn from each other. Please submit Tips, Tricks, and Resources that caught your attention We'd love to share them.
Resource No 1: First Robotics in Vermont
https://www.firstinvermont.org/
Last week over 32 student designed robots from the best FRC teams in New England attemped to qualify for the New England District Championship at the UVM’s Patrick Gym! Sponsored by the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. This was the first time this event was held in Vermont. If you missed it, you can get a glimpse from Troy Austin's YouTube Channel or WCAX-TV news story
Want more info: Reach out to First Robotics in Vermont at: https://www.firstinvermont.org/
Resource No 2. North Carolina Generative AI Implementation Recommendations and Considerations for PK-13 Public Schools
https://go.ncdpi.gov/AI_Guidelines
This resource shared across the Vermont School IT sparked discussion last week. Everyone was quite impressed with the framework. From the authors:
These generative AI implementation recommendations and considerations have been created as a way to share information and resources to help direct responsible implementation of generative AI tools and guide AI Literacy in North Carolina Public Schools.
These guidelines have been organized around the five focus areas of the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan, which guides digital teaching and learning for North Carolinapublic schools. The Digital Learning Plan encourages the safe use of innovative technology to prepare students for future school and work to improve student outcomes and support the appropriate use of technology to advance learning.
Resource No 3. Alice 3.0. has been released and worth a look.
https://www.alice.org/
If you are looking for a way to introduce students to Object Oriented Programming, check out the storytelling approach of Alice. If you have looked at Alice in the past, you should check out the new version (Alice 3.0) From their website:
Alice is an innovative block-based programming environment that makes it easy to create animations, build interactive narratives, or program simple games in 3D. Unlike many of the puzzle-based coding applications Alice motivates learning through creative exploration. Alice is designed to teach logical and computational thinking skills, fundamental principles of programming and to be a first exposure to object-oriented programming. The Alice Project provides supplemental tools and materials for teaching using Alice across a spectrum of ages and subject matter with proven benefits in engaging and retaining diverse and underserved groups in computer science education.
Resource No 4. Finch 2.0
https://www.birdbraintechnologies.com/products/finch-robot-2-0/
How can a robot teach computer science to students as young as Kindergarten and as advanced as AP Computer Science? Finch 2.0 promises and delivers with its You can even sign up for a free Demo:
A robot designed to grow with students. From icon- and block-based coding to advanced text-based programming, the Finch is a tool for elementary school, AP computer science, and every class in between. This low floor, high ceiling tool includes materials designed for teachers who are new to coding so they can meet the needs of students at all experience levels. The original Finch Robot began being tested in classrooms in 2008. Designed with 10 years of teacher feedback, the new Finch 2.0 is a trusted teaching tool with the evidence to back it up. Check out our Research Page to see published articles.
Resource No 5 The Big Book of Computing Content
https://helloworld.cc/
Check out this free computing and digital making magazine by educators for educators from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
One hundred pages of in-depth discussion, project ideas, lesson plans, news, and reviews.
