Highlighted Resources

Digital Spin Interview:
The Critical Need for CS Education

Mario Armstrong interviews Chris Stephenson on his NPR show Digital Spin (May 20, 2009). Download the interview here!

Computational Thinking Resource Set:
A Problem-Solving Tool for Every Classroom

Computational thinking is integrating the power of human thinking with the capabilities of computers, and it is a required skill for 21st-century success. This resource is made up of three parts: a brochure, a ppt. file, and a Camtasia presentation movie file.

Computational Thinking Brochure:
The cards in this file list simulation and modeling resources for a variety of curriculum areas. Share them with your fellow teachers. Encourage them to "think computationally" by moving technology projects beyond "using" tools and information, toward "creating" tools and information.
Download the brochure here!

Computational Thinking PPT:
This PowerPoint presentation explores computational thinking as an analytical tool for problem solving using models and methods from computer science. Discover what computational think is, what it's not, and how it can become a part of the toolset you use to raise the thinking level of students in every subject and every classroom.
Download the ppt. file here!

Computational Thinking Camtasia Presentation:
This wmv file expands the details in the Computational Thinking PowerPoint presentation with deeper explanations and illustrations. Listen to a description of practical classroom applications that encourage students to move toward a more powerful and creative use of technology.
Download the presentation movie file (zipped) here!


Gotta Have IT is an all-in-one computing resource kit designed with educators' needs in mind. A select set of high-quality posters, computing and careers information, digital media and more, the resource kit builds awareness and inspires interest in computing. Gotta Have IT is for all students, but is especially inclusive of girls. Click here to download a resource, or for more information on how
to get it.



In this thought-provoking presentation (delivered at the 2007 SIGCSE Technical Symposium), Grady Booch explores the beauty and the complexity of software development and raises key questions about the limits of what we know, what we can do, and what we should do. He also explores the history of software development and what the future might hold. Teachers can use this presentation to inform their own knowledge or classroom practices and share it with students to provoke interesting discussions about our history and our future.

The powerpoint presentation can be downloaded here.
The accompanying video clips can be downloaded here and here.



Pair programming has been recognized as a 'Promising Practice' by the National Center for Women and Information Technology. To assist with dissemination of the practice of pair programming, Jill Denner and a team from ETR Associates with the technical direction of Linda Werner, a lecturer of Computer Science at UCSC, have produced a video for use by high school and university educators in their introductory programming classes. Approximately 12 minutes long, the "Examples of Pair Programming" video starts with a short description of pair programming. This introduction is followed by examples of 'good' and 'bad' pair programming and a set of questions that can be used to facilitate classroom discussion.

The video can be downloaded here.
Questions can be directed to Linda Werner.


Three New Resources for Teachers
from CSTA and IBM

IBM and CSTA have worked together to develop new high school computer science curriculum resources. Our goal is to support high school computer science education by providing teacher-developed resources that promote teaching and learning, and engage students in ways that will encourage them to acquire the skills they need to compete in the global marketplace. All of the resources adhere to the standards defined in the ACM Model Curriculum for K-12 Computer Science.

Project-Based Learning Module

This learning module provides teachers with an overview of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and is intended for use as a professional development resource. It includes two Powerpoint presentations, each offering a slightly different approach to the topic, and several additional documents and resources that include reflections, sample worksheets and templates, and links to additional readings and project samples. Download zipped file here.


Web Site Design Learning Module

This learning module introduces students to the principles of web site design and includes a series of four lesson plans and student activities handouts. It is intended for students with a level 1 or 2 basic understanding of the Web. Download zipped file here.


OO Design Using Pong Learning Module

This learning module features an object-oriented implementation of the classic video game, Pong. Students will design and implement Pong using object-oriented programming concepts. This resource is intended for use by beginning Java programmers, but includes suggestions for enhanced learning for more experienced students. Teachers should have experience working with an object-oriented Java program using multiple classes, such as College Board's Advanced Placement Marine Biology Case Study. Download zipped file here.



Using Toys to Teach CS Concepts

Looking for a new way to encourage interest in computer science? Try "dissecting" a Furby or hacking a Boogie Bass! Furbys, Boogie Basses, and other computer-controlled children's toys and novelties are easy to take apart and modify, and they demonstrate in a very real and hands-on way how computer science is used in everyday life.

Furby Autopsy Site
How to Make the Boogie Bass Talk



Why do undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty choose computer science & engineering as their field? What takes place during a day in the life of a CSE bachelors alum working in the software or Internet industry? Two videos from University of Washington Computer Science & Engineering address these questions. These videos provide useful information of what CSE holds in store for your students.



Studies suggest that kids who play computer-based games increase their understanding of knowledge structures, spatial intelligence and cogitative ability. Girls just know that computer games are fun! In this workshop, we introduced game design concepts like rewards, obstacles and challenges, and then we turned the girls loose. Using an application called Gamemaker, each participant built a new level for an existing game. The new games were posted online so that the girls could share them with each other, their friends and family.



The members of Carnegie Mellon's Women@SCS have put put together a number of resources illustrating the many exciting areas of computer science. Parents, teachers, and students can browse the site and download resources such as posters, powerpoint roadshows, and brochures.

 
   

CSTA works at many levels to support computing education.

Middle school
(problem solving &
algorithmic thinking)

High school
(computing &
computer science)

College/university
(enrollment &
transition)

Industry
(engagement &
preparation)