Since the early 1980s with the appearance of desktop computers in schools, questions about their presence in classrooms have been debated. Access to, use of, and results from new technologies have been central issues for a motley coalition of high-tech vendors, technophile educators, and policymakers eager to satisfy parents and voters who want schools to be technologically up-to-date with other institutions. And this coalition has surely been successful in increasing teacher and student access to desktop computers, then laptops, and now tablets and smartphones.
First, a quick run through the initial goals and current ones in putting new technologies into the hands of teachers and students. Then a crisp look at access, use, and results of the cornucopia of devices in schools.
By the mid-1980s, there were clear goals and a strong rationale for investing in buying loads of hardware and software and wiring buildings . Those goals were straightforward…
I have been learning about computers and technology for about 30 years or more. NASA, National Geographic, NEA, NSTA and the National Center for SuperComputing. Conferences, workshops, and meetings. It is a moving target. This blog is inspired by ex-students and CIrcl.
There is always more to learn, share and explore. Here is what might be of interest to you.
Here is some of the future of learning in a connected world.
Is your local school up to the challenge?Are you providing the real professional development for teachers?
SuperComputing and Computational Thinking (What do you know about it?)
In education, computational thinking (CT) is a set of problem-solving methods that involve expressing problems and their solutions in ways that a computer could execute..
Sounds and looks complicated? It is not. Digital Promise simplifies it like this.
But how do “code,” “computer science,” and, “computational thinking,” fit together? What is motivating their introduction into schools, and how might they change education?( read this report)
In a computational world, what is important to know and know how to do? Please download and read the report and share it.
Digital Promise says:
What is computational thinking?
Computational thinking skills are versatile approaches to problem solving that include:
Gathering and organizing data to investigate questions and communicate findings
Expressing procedures as algorithms (that is, a series of logical, precise, repeatable steps that delivers an expected result) to reliably create and analyze processes
Creating computational models that use data and algorithms to simulate complex systems
Using and comparing computational models to develop new insights about a subject
We see these practices of computational thinking ,benefitting cutting-edge research and everyday life.
For example, when a hurricane is approaching, a meteorologist on TV may use a computational model to demonstrate the various paths that the storm may take as any number of interdependent variables change.
An astrophysicist may similarly use computational thinking practices to develop simulations and new theories about the collisions of black holes.
Digital Promise shows us great images to understand the methodology.
There are great online resources, that are free that demonstrate how these skills are used.
The Science of Where
The Science of Where – Unlock Data’s Full Potential
Will.i.am Sparks Mapping with GIS in L.A. Magnet Academy
What is Science On a Sphere®?
Science On a Sphere® (SOS) displays global data the way it should be viewed – on a sphere! It is a room sized, global display system that uses custom software, computers, and video projectors to display planetary visualizations (and much more!) onto a large sphere, analogous to a giant animated globe.
In education, the acronym STEM stands for the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM education, then, is the learning of these STEMsubjects through an integrated approach; one that offers hands-on and relevant learning experiences.
Students and robots intermingle at the Hirshhorn ARTLAB+
ArtLab is giving young people opportunities to explore science, technology, and art with help from innovative artificial intelligence (AI) robots.
Sometimes , the beginning of this learning path is coding!!!
We can find many ways to lean to do coding. Code.org has programs in many languages.
Code.org® is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by women and underrepresented minorities. Our vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science, just like biology, chemistry or algebra. Code.org provides the leading curriculum for K-12 computer science in the largest school districts in the United States and Code.org also organizes the annual Hour of Code campaign which has engaged 15% of all students in the world. Code.org is supported by generous donors including Amazon, Facebook, Google, the Infosys Foundation, Microsoft, and many more.
The Power of Us 