These first few weeks of school have felt like a blur. It is funny to think that I have been back teaching students for a month now, and my northern counterparts are just now posting back to school pictures of their kids on Facebook! That used to be me, but I'm not jealous come Memorial Day and they still have a month to go. But I digress.
This new CS Principles course that I have been piloting has taken off like a rocket. I started the year with 74 and ended the first week with 96. Needless to say, we are always moving. We have completed a few collaborative projects so far that have really impressed me. Most recently, my students created infographics on famous computer scientists. They turned out great. I haven't had a chance to read their papers yet, that will be my weekend light reading. I can't wait. I was observed the other day while they were putting these projects together, and what a beautiful thing it is to have an administrator ask a student about their project, and the student is able to speak intelligently about their computer science person and what their contribution is to the field of CS. And best part... it was all them. They researched these individuals and formed their own opinions on the work that was done and its impact on our society today.
Most recently, we have been creating a Google site for all the AWESOME projects that they have been working on. These will be their student portfolios that they will add to and revise throughout the year. Currently these projects are private, and shared only with those who have the link. I have created a private site that I have linked their projects so that I can evaluate and give feedback. It is my hope that at the end of the year, students will have some awesome projects to show off to their parents and friends. They should leave with a collection of work that shows all that they have learned this school year.
This new CS Principles course that I have been piloting has taken off like a rocket. I started the year with 74 and ended the first week with 96. Needless to say, we are always moving. We have completed a few collaborative projects so far that have really impressed me. Most recently, my students created infographics on famous computer scientists. They turned out great. I haven't had a chance to read their papers yet, that will be my weekend light reading. I can't wait. I was observed the other day while they were putting these projects together, and what a beautiful thing it is to have an administrator ask a student about their project, and the student is able to speak intelligently about their computer science person and what their contribution is to the field of CS. And best part... it was all them. They researched these individuals and formed their own opinions on the work that was done and its impact on our society today.
Most recently, we have been creating a Google site for all the AWESOME projects that they have been working on. These will be their student portfolios that they will add to and revise throughout the year. Currently these projects are private, and shared only with those who have the link. I have created a private site that I have linked their projects so that I can evaluate and give feedback. It is my hope that at the end of the year, students will have some awesome projects to show off to their parents and friends. They should leave with a collection of work that shows all that they have learned this school year.
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