More Coding Options!

Computer Science Education Week

December 3-7

Get Girls Coding - Made with Code from Google: This website has a lot of fun options for girls. Use code to create gifs, dances, music mixes, avatars, soundtracks, fashion, and so much more. 

CS First from Google: No Experience Needed! Google offers this free and easy to use Computer Science Curriculum kit. Check out sample activities here. This is a great introduction to computer science using the block programming language Scratch from MIT. And even better it's been tested and approved by SAISD students!
"My students really enjoyed Google CS First." Marie Marshall, Santa Rita Elementary.

Scratch from MIT is a programming language in which students use block coding to create stories, games, and animations. Scratch is free and fun for all ages. 

It's Almost Here!

Computer Science Education Week

December 3-7

“The 'Hour of Code™' is a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week [csedweek.org] and Code.org [code.org] to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming.”

The skills used to learn coding and programming are important to our future learners. Not only is coding and programming a booming job market, but computational thinking is also great for supporting our SAISD Learner Profile: Creating, Critical Thinking, Collaborating, and Communicating.

Your challenge this year is to have your students code for at least an hour during Computer Science Education Week. 

Here are a few resources to help you get started: 

hourofcode.com - Be sure to fill out the Join Us form for a chance to win some of the awesome prizes below:

hourofcode.com also offers:
Tutorials and Activities for all ages.
Local Volunteers who will help run a session or talk coding or programming to inspire students!

code.org
Hour of Code Activities
No Devices? No problem! Check out their unplugged activities.
Celebrate Hour of Code with Certificates!

Add to Your Teacher Toolbox

*Made in signbot

Finding time to learn new things for ourselves can be challenging. Today, I actually had some time to sit, read, and catch-up on some of my instructional technology blogs, tweets, articles, and newsletters that help me keep up-to-date with what is going on in the world of instructional and educational technology.

If you have not had a chance to check out Alice Keeler's website and use Google Apps in the classroom, I encourage you to check out a few interesting (and totally useful) blogs from her:

• For Science Teachers: Adding PhET Sims to Google Classroom
• For Any Subject or Teacher who uses Google Forms: Google Forms: One Form for All Periods
• For Teachers who use Google Classroom and have an Android Device: Google Classroom Student Chooser Feature
• I tried this one on my android phone. It is so cool! 😎
• For any class that writes: Google Slides Essay
• For Math Teachers: Open Middle: Equivalent Fractions Activity
• You can find out more about this website in our online newsletter.

Digital Citizenship Week

Here are a few ideas for this week. 😀


Be a Digital Citizen ALL Year Long - Download or Create a Digital Citizenship Pledge for your class to sign.

• From Google Be Internet Awesome Pledge
• Citizen Pledge Lesson Plan from Common Sense (3rd-5th)
• Digital Citizenship Pledge Poster from Common Sense 

Get Students Thinking and Talking - Have a Flipgrid Discussion

• What can students do to keep themselves safe in their social media environments?
• How can students cite sources and use content for multimedia projects safely and ethically? 
• How can we use technology to communicate and collaborate with others in order to help solve problems for local and global communities?

Promote Appropriate Communication Skills and Respect for Other Perspectives - Have students work collaboratively on a Google Slide or Doc. Skype or Hangout with another class to learn more about their culture and learning experiences.

Have some Online FUN while learning - Check out the following interactive games for students

• Digital Passport from Common Sense
• Digital Compass from Common Sense
• Digital Bytes from Common Sense
• Interland from Google

Teacher Others - Design a poster, info-graphic, or video teaching others about the importance of being a good digital citizen. 

Responsible Online Leaders

Digital Citizenship Week - October 15-19

Digital Citizenship is a user's appropriate and responsible behavior with regard to technology use.

From the moment a student is handed a device, he or she should apply their “digital” citizenship skills. K-12 students should be taught how to work respectfully with others online, be safe while online, solve problems, communicate clearly and appropriately, distinguish facts from opinions; truths from falsehoods, and how being a good online citizen can empower them.

Here are a few resources, ideas, and activities to help you develop and support good online citizens.

• 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship
• Common Sense Media - This website has an entire curriculum for K-12 grades. It also has wonderful videos, posters, and activities to help support digital citizenship all year long. 
• Google Teacher Center: Digital Citizenship and Safety Course - This course for teachers took me less than 2 hours to complete. Teachers will walk away with ideas, videos, and activities that you can use immediately with your students. Upon completion of the course, you also receive a certificate.
• Be Internet Legends - Free online program from Google to help children be responsible, safe, and appropriate users of technology. 
• Be Internet Awesome Resources
• Be Internet Awesome Presentations - Google Slide presentations that can be used in class.
• Be Internet Awesome Interland Online Game

Want to see this and so much more in action? If you missed our PD in your PJs Digital Citizenship Webinar, you still have an opportunity to view our recording. Just click HERE.