Code 501: Computational Thinking for Educators

Overview

Computational Thinking for Educators is a workshop designed to transform the way educators teach problem-solving across diverse academic disciplines. This approach, while rooted in computer science, extends its reach far beyond, serving as a universal problem-solving framework that can be codified into precise, step-by-step instructions (that even a computer can understand).

This instructor-led course is crafted to equip educators with the essential tools, knowledge, and innovative AI technologies necessary to streamline the creation of lesson plans, and inject their classroom dynamics with computational thinking. Participants gain experience with AI tools that will not only expedite the lesson planning process, but also spark a wealth of ideas for incorporating into their curriculum the core computational thinking principles of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design. Educators will see the relevance of this approach across a wide spectrum of subjects from math and science to history and language arts.

Through hands-on labs, practical lectures, and relevant exercises with AI tools, participants will design lesson plans, activities, and coursework that seamlessly blend computational thinking into their existing curriculum. Join us on this transformative journey to equip your students with the critical thinking skills necessary for the computational age, in any subject matter.

Outcomes

At the end of this workshop, participants will:

  • Craft a customized curriculum plan to introduce Computational Thinking in your classroom, for any subject or age-group.
  • Learn how to learn with cutting-edge AI tools.
  • Describe, define, and execute the 4 pillars of Computational Thinking.
  • Know how to train students in advanced problem solving.

Prerequisites

  • An educational setting where you desire to introduce concepts of computational thinking
  • Willingness to learn new ways to learn

Topics

  • The 4 pillars of Computational Thinking
  • Problem solving frameworks and techniques
  • Using AI to help craft lesson plans
  • Creating CT curriculum tailored to level and subject

Learn with Stacked Modules

Concepts in each of our courses are taught using stacked modules, where a new concept is introduced in each class session, building upon what came before it. This is a challenging style that requires persistence, practice, and collaboration, but allows more concepts to be introduced over the length of the course. This method helps students learn and retain more information in a short period of time. Learn more about stacked modules »

Computer Requirements

You are required to supply your own computer that meets the requirements specified in our FAQ.

Participants also need a (free) chatbot account, with a service like ChatGPT, or Google Bard.